Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk
Journal of Eexercise & Organ Cross Talk

The effects of eight weeks of aerobic exercise and NBS superfood supplementation on IL-1β and SOD in elderly men with diabetes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Bahram Fatahi 1
Sedigheh Hosseinpour Delavar 2
Mehdi Bagzadeh 3

1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.

2 Department of Exercise Physiology, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah,Iran.

3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Eslamabad- E- Gharb branch, Islamic Azad University, Eslamabad -E-Gharb, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22122/jeoct.2026.569282.1185
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes in older adults is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress, with elevated interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity playing central roles in disease progression.  This study aimed to investigate the independent and combined effects of eight weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and NBS superfood supplementation on serum IL-1β and SOD levels in elderly men with type 2 diabetes. Forty older men (aged 60–75 years) with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated using stratified block randomization to four groups (n=10 each): control, exercise-only (TR), supplement-only (SUP), and exercise + supplement (TR+SUP). The exercise groups performed supervised cycling at 60–70% Wmax, 30 min/session, 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks. The supplementation groups received 10 g/day NBS superfood. Fasting serum IL-1β and SOD were measured before and 48 hours after the intervention using ELISA. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant time × group interactions for both IL-1β (p<0.001, η²p=0.372) and SOD (p<0.001, η²p=0.892). Post-hoc tests showed the greatest reductions in IL-1β and largest increases in SOD occurred in the TR+SUP group compared to all other groups (p<0.001), indicating a synergistic effect. Eight weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with NBS superfood supplementation exerts potent synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in older men with type 2 diabetes, suggesting a promising non-pharmacological strategy for managing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

What is already known on this subject?

Regular exercise in the daily routine of old age not only helps control the symptoms of diabetes but also increases the level of quality of life. Also, herbal supplements rich in antioxidants and nutrients have great potential to reduce inflammation and strengthen cellular defenses.

 

What this study adds?

Aerobic exercise, by enhancing metabolism and reducing inflammation, and NBS supplementation, with the potential to improve immunity and inhibit oxidative stress, are promising complementary strategies. By clarifying the interaction of these interventions on inflammatory and antioxidant markers, this study can help to develop policies for healthy aging, reduce healthcare costs, and empower communities to face the challenges of diabetes.

Keywords

Type 2 diabetes
Aerobic exercise
NBS superfood
IL-1&beta
SOD
Subjects

Acknowledgements

We extend our deepest appreciation to all the participants who contributed to this research. Their time and cooperation were essential to the success of this project.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Data availability

The data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article. This data can be provided by the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflict of interest the authors declare that there is no conflict of interest in the present research.

Ethical approval The ethics committee of Sport Sciences Research Institution of Iran approved the study protocol with the ethics code IR.IAU.KSH.REC.1404.081.

Informed consent Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. 

Author contributions 

Conceptualization: B.F., Methodology: S.H.D., Software: M.B., Validation: B.F.,; Formal analysis: S.H.D.,; Investigation: M.B.,; Resources: B.F.,; Data curation: S.H.D.,; Writing - original draft: S.H.D.,; Writing–review & editing M.B.,; Visualization: B.F.,; Supervision: S,H.D.; Project administration: B.F.,.; Funding acquisition: F.H.D.    

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Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk
Volume 6, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 33-39

  • Receive Date 28 December 2025
  • Revise Date 13 February 2026
  • Accept Date 24 February 2026

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