In the world of health and wellness, Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been making waves due to its potential therapeutic benefits. Extracted from the Cannabis sativa L. plant, CBD is a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid, meaning it doesn’t cause the “high” associated with cannabis.
A recent study published in the Nutrients Journal took a look into the effects of CBD on the health and fitness of healthy adults, providing some intriguing insights.
Understanding CBD
Before we look at the study, it’s important to understand what CBD is and why it’s been gaining attention. CBD is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant, but unlike its cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it doesn’t have psychoactive properties.
CBD has shown potential therapeutic benefits in managing a range of conditions, including neuroinflammatory disorders such as anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Some studies have also suggested that CBD may improve fitness, alter body composition, and increase maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), a measure of cardiovascular health.
The Study: CBD and Fitness
The study in question was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial (RCT), which is considered the gold standard in clinical research. This type of study design ensures that the results are as unbiased as possible.
The trial involved 48 healthy individuals aged between 18 and 50 years. These participants were randomly assigned to receive either 50.0 milligrams of CBD or a placebo daily over eight weeks.
The researchers then measured several factors, including aerobic fitness, body composition, physical activity, cognitive health, psychological well-being, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, an indicator of inflammation in the body.
The Results: CBD’s Impact on Health and Fitness
After eight weeks, the researchers analyzed the data and found no significant differences between the CBD and placebo groups in terms of body composition, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, physical activity, cognitive health, psychological well-being, or CRP levels.
However, they did notice a difference when it came to anaerobic fitness, which is the ability to perform short bursts of high-intensity activity. The placebo group experienced a reduction in peak power (PP) and relative PP (RPP), while those who took CBD experienced no such reductions.
Free Radicals and Antioxidants: A Brief Overview
To understand why CBD might have this effect, it’s important to know about free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. They are produced by the body as a reaction to environmental and other pressures.
Antioxidants, on the other hand, are compounds that can neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing them from causing damage. The body produces some antioxidants naturally, but they can also be found in certain foods and supplements.
CBD, Free Radicals, and Fitness
The study suggests that CBD may prevent reductions in anaerobic power over time, likely due to an increase in antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, which combat free radicals, and a decrease in these harmful free radicals themselves.
This is an intriguing finding, as it suggests that CBD could potentially help to maintain or even improve anaerobic fitness levels, which are important for activities that involve short bursts of high-intensity effort, such as sprinting or weightlifting.
The Bigger Picture: CBD and Overall Health
While the study found that regular intake of CBD may help maintain anaerobic power, it did not find that long-term CBD use improved aerobic fitness, body composition, mentalhealth, physical activity, inflammation, or psychological well-being among adults.
This is an important reminder that while CBD may have certain benefits, it is not a cure-all solution for health and fitness.
Implications of the Study
The findings of this study have several implications. For one, they add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that CBD may have potential benefits for health and fitness. However, they also highlight the need for further research to fully understand these benefits and any potential limitations or side effects.
For those considering using CBD as part of their health and fitness regimen, these findings suggest that it could potentially help maintain anaerobic fitness levels. However, it’s important to remember that CBD is not a substitute for a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
The Future of CBD Research
While this study provides valuable insights, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of CBD for health and fitness. Future studies could explore different dosages of CBD, longer trial periods, and different populations, such as older adults or those with specific health conditions.
In the meantime, it’s important for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, including CBD. This is particularly important for individuals with existing health conditions or those who are taking other medications, as CBD can interact with certain drugs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study provides some intriguing insights into the potential effects of CBD on health and fitness.
While it suggests that CBD may help maintain anaerobic fitness levels, it does not show that CBD improves aerobic fitness, body composition, mental health, physical activity, inflammation, or psychological well-being among adults.
As with any supplement, it’s important to use CBD responsibly and in consultation with a healthcare professional.
References
Flores, V. et al. (2023) “Effects of Oral Cannabidiol on Health and Fitness in Healthy Adults: An 8-Week Randomized Trial”, Nutrients, 15(12), p. 2664. doi: 10.3390/nu15122664. Link to the study
