Appalachian State University: Research Focus
The ASU/NCRC Human Performance Laboratory is a national leader in the area of nutrition and exercise immunology. Research has been conducted with athletes participating in competitive marathon and ultramarathon race events including the 100 Mile Western United States Endurance Run (WSER), Comrades Ultramarathon in South Africa, Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii, the Grandfather Mountain Marathon, and laboratory-controlled exercise bouts lasting 2-3 hours. The ASU research team investigates the influence of several nutritional countermeasures to exercise-induced immune alterations including carbohydrate beverages, vitamin C and E supplements, blueberries, quercetin, isoquercetin, EGCG, omega-3 fatty acids, chia seed, beta glucan, and other food components.
Discoveries by Dr. Nieman and his research team include the protective effect of regular moderate exercise in augmenting immunity and decreasing illness, the anti-inflammatory benefits of ingesting one liter of sports drink with 60 grams carbohydrate per hour of heavy exertion, the pro-oxidative (thus harmful) effect of using large dose vitamin E supplements prior to competing in the Ironman race, the pro-inflammatory (thus harmful) influence of using ibuprofen during competitive ultramarathon races, the anti-pathogenic influence of quercetin (1,000 mg/day) in endurance athletes, the anti-inflammatory benefits of ingesting isoquercetin with EGCG during heavy exertion, and the positive influence of quercetin supplements in lowering disease risk factors and illness symptomatology in the general community.
Community Testing: