Introduction: Honey is a naturally occurring foodstuff composed from several mono- and di-saccharides, but predominantly, fructose (~35-40 %) and glucose (~30-35 %) together with other constituents such as water, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Research has identified ergogenic effects on exercise performance when such constituents have been consumed independently. Therefore, the rationale exists for a functional food containing a myriad of potentially ergogenic components to improve exercise performance. Accordingly, this review aimed to assimilate the current evidence pertaining to the performance and/or physiological responses to honey supplementation in sports and exercise settings.
Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, database searches (MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus) were conducted to locate relevant research publications. Articles were initially scanned (titles, abstract), and then 24 full texts screened in agreement with pre-defined inclusion criteria. Having excluded three records following a quality assessment, 11 studies were selected for the final review.
Results: Five of the 11 studies assessed physical performance and/or physiological outcomes concomitantly across a single exercise session, while six investigated physiological responses of chronic honey supplementation over several weeks. Honey was as equally effective as high glycaemic index carbohydrates regarding the time to complete a simulated stage of the Tour de France (128.8 ± 3.5 vs. 128.3 ± 3.8 min respectively). Similar patterns have been observed in soccer, whilst running distances improved versus water alone (3420 ± 350 vs. 3120 ± 340 m). Honey ingested chronically from 20 g.d-1, or 70 g ingested ~ 90 min before exercise, attenuated oxidative biomarkers (i.e., lipid peroxidation; 2.9 ± 0.9 vs. 4.7 ± 0.8 nmol.mL-1), while pro-inflammatory interleukin cytokines (Tumour Necrosis Factor -TNF-α, IL-1β) and reduced DNA damage have been identified at several time points versus no supplementation. Increases in T-lymphocyte cells (+16.2 % vs. pre-test), antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase) and total antioxidant capacity were also evident.
Discussion and Conclusion: The evidence suggests favourable improvements to immunological biomarkers and indices of exercise induced oxidative stress following chronic honey ingestion. Similarly, acute honey supplementation demonstrated efficacy in maintaining physical performance comparable to high glycaemic index carbohydrates. Research opportunities exist to further investigate the physical performance and physiological effects of honey ingestion in the sports and exercise sciences. Researchers may wish to consider homogeneity in terms of the carbohydrate and exercise stimuli examined.