Polyphenol Supplement Improves Endurance in Runners: Study

Oligionol, a low molecular weight lychee fruit polyphenol ingredient distributed by Maypro, was shown in a new clinical study to significantly improve the running performance and perceived exertion of middle-aged long-distance runners. The findings were published in the Journal of Exercise and Nutrition.

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 34 long-distance male and female runners between the ages of 45 and 64 received either a placebo or 200 mg per day of Oligonol; those who took the supplement saw significantly greater improvements in running distance on a 12-minute treadmill run test. They also reported significantly lower ratings of perceived exertion.

Compared to the placebo group, the treatment group improved its running distance by approximately 70 meters and reported a two-point reduction in RPE scores, which the researchers described as both statistically and practically meaningful for endurance performance.

Compared to similar studies, these performance improvements exceeded thresholds that are usually considered meaningful in trials on endurance. The authors noted that Oligonol is thought to support exercise performance through improvements to energy metabolism efficiency and fatigue resistance.

“Oligonol is a very well-researched polyphenolic compound, and this study further strengthens the scientific foundation behind its success in sports nutrition,” said Lauren Clardy, senior director of scientific affairs at Maypro. “The active nutrition category has evolved well beyond foundational ingredients like protein, caffeine, creatine, and taurine. For today’s leading brands who have moved beyond commoditized performance products, Oligonol offers a compelling combination of clinical validation, formulation versatility, and premium consumer appeal.”

Oligonol is manufactured by Amino Up Co. Ltd., through a process that converts lychee fruit polyphenols into low-molecular-weight oligomers with enhanced bioavailability. Previous research has demonstrated benefits related to antioxidant activity, exercise recovery, inflammation modulation, and endurance support, the company reported.

“We are encouraged to see these clinically meaningful endurance outcomes demonstrated in a well-controlled human study,” said Kohei Homma, senior executive director of R&D at Amino Up. “For brands developing evidence-based exercise performance products, these findings provide compelling evidence supporting Oligonol’s ability to improve both endurance output and perceived exertion. Moreover, Oligonol is clinically shown to improve blood flow after a single dose, highlighting its fast-acting benefits.”