Objectives Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidant is known to have numerous health benefits and to act as a potent anti-inflammatory substance. This study was undertaken to investigate the inflammatory responses and delayed onset of muscle soreness after the London Marathon, and whether it is altered by Resveratrol.

Design and setting Double placebo-controlled randomised trial conducted at the London Marathon, 2010.

Methods Seven healthy male athletes were recruited for the study. Participants were randomised to either Resveratrol or placebo. The Resveratrol group was treated with 600 mg Resveratrol daily for 7 days immediately before the marathon. Blood was taken 48 h before the marathon and 18–32 h after the marathon. Samples were analysed for white blood cell count (WBC) and C reactive protein (CRP). To assess delayed onset muscle soreness a visual analogue scale (VAS) score was taken at the same times as the blood samples. The prepost changes were compared between the groups using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of changes occurring between pre and post-tests for WBC, CRP or VAS (p=0.857, 0.629 and 0.70 respectively).

Conclusion This pilot study could not find a difference in immune response or delayed onset of muscle soreness between Resveratrol and placebo after the London Marathon 2010. Further investigations are needed with longer treatment time and higher doses, analysing additional parameters like interleukins for a possible effect of Resveratrol on the inflammatory response due to extensive exercise.