Efeito da erva-mate sobre a oxidação de substratos em corredores treinados: um ensaio clínico e randomizado

Abstract

Yerba mate contains bioactive compounds (such as caffeine and chlorogenic acid) capable of stimulating lipolysis and sparing muscle glycogen at submaximal exercise intensities; however, the literature lacks evidence regarding its potential sports effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of yerba mate on energy substrate oxidation during running. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial (7-14 day wash-out), 19 runners (10 men and 9 women) consumed 50g of traditional yerba mate (TrrEX) or a placebo with washed yerba mate (TrrPL) infused in cold water (6mL/kg at 10°C). Sixty minutes after beverage ingestion, participants performed an incremental ergospirometry exercise test on a treadmill. Lipid (Lip) and carbohydrate (Cho) oxidation and energy expenditure (EE) at the Start of Effort (L1), Anaerobic Threshold (LAn), and Respiratory Compensation Point (PCR) were calculated from the ratio of oxygen consumed (VO2) to carbon dioxide expired (VCO2), determined by indirect calorimetry (Handymet MDI®). Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, followed by the Student's t-test for dependent samples or the Wilcoxon test for non-normal data to compare conditions, with a significance level of 5%. In the female group, acute Tereré ingestion promoted a statistically significant increase in the lipid oxidation rate solely at the first reading (L1) (TrrEx: 0.134 ± 0.081 g/min vs. TrrPL: 0.074 ± 0.027 g/min; p = 0.036). However, with increasing effort toward the Anaerobic Threshold (LAn) and Respiratory Compensation Point (PCR), this lipolytic effect was suppressed, showing no significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05). In the male group, the intervention did not induce significant modifications in lipid or carbohydrate oxidation or energy expenditure at any of the three evaluated intensities (p > 0.05). Acute consumption of traditionally prepared yerba mate (Tereré) is capable of promoting lipid oxidation and a consequent carbohydrate-sparing effect in trained women.