Does combined antioxidant vitamin supplementation blunt repeated bout effect?
He F, Hockemeyer JA, Sedlock D
Published in International Journal of Sports Medicine
Methodology
Randomised placebo-controlled trial in 22 moderately trained males taking vitamin C 1000 mg/d and vitamin E 400 IU/d for 2 weeks across two repeated downhill runs, with creatine kinase, ORAC and multi-muscle DOMS ratings to 72 h post-exercise
Key Findings
Quadriceps soreness was lower with supplementation (1.1±0.3 vs 2.2±0.5, P<0.05) and creatine kinase was attenuated, but antioxidant use also interfered with the natural repeated-bout adaptation.
Conclusions
Antioxidant vitamins can modestly lower soreness while potentially blunting the muscle's protective adaptation to repeated bouts.
Limitations
Small sample, males only, downhill running model may not generalise to other exercise.
Supplements Studied
Outcomes Measured
Overall, DOMS of the quadriceps was lower in S (1.1±0.3) than P (2.2±0.5) (P<0.05).
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Non-commercial research support
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.