Introduction:

Physical exercise can generate reactive oxygen species that damage essential cellular components, such as fatigue. Flavonoids, due to their low toxicity and antioxidant activity, have been studied as potential dietary supplements to improve sports performance.

Objective:

To describe the scientific evidence that has been obtained on the efficacy of the use of flavonoids as supplements to improve sports physical performance.

Methods:

A search was carried out, in PubMed and Google Scholar databases, on the efficacy of the use of flavonoids as supplements for physical and sports performance. The keywords were used flavonoid, supplementation, sport, exercise, fatigue, muscle, fats, physical activity. Articles published from 2018 to 2022, in English, that met the selection criteria were taken into account.

Results:

Flavonoids are capable of reducing fatigue due to physical exertion in a sports context, mainly due to their ability to regulate the activity of endogenous antioxidant agents such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes, which are responsible for the neutralization of reactive oxygen species. In addition, they are capable of favoring the neutralization of toxic metabolites that are generated during exercise and of increasing energy reserves (glycogen in the liver and muscles) and muscular resistance.

Conclusions:

There is scientific evidence that flavonoids are capable of improving sports physical performance, mainly by reducing fatigue and increasing muscular resistance.

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