Background: There are a few studies about the positive effects of exercise and polyphenols supplementation on reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of short-term grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels after an aerobic exercise in non-athlete men.

Materials and Methods: In a randomized double-blind study, 20 non-athlete men (age range, 19±1 years, body fat 12.20%±3%, body mass index 22.22±2, and VO2max 39.28±2 ml.kg-1.min-1) were allocated into two equal groups (n=10): the GSE supplementation (200 mg/day) and placebo groups. The hs-CRP, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were measured before and after the supplementation and after an aerobic exercise protocol with 75% VO2max on the motorized treadmill for 30 minutes.

Results: The results showed a significant reduction in TG and a significant increase in hs-CRP after the exercise in both groups (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between groups in HDL-C, LDL-C, and TC levels (P>0.05). In addition, there was a significant decrease in TC levels subsequent GSE supplementation (P<0.05).

Conclusion: A single session of aerobic exercise has no significant effect on lipid profiles except TG and can lead to an increase in the hs-CRP concentration. However, the short-term GSE supplementation can just improve the TC of lipid profile.