Does physical exercise modify antioxidant requirements?

Abstract

Physical training is known to induce a biochemical adaptive response which might require an increase in the ingestion and/or the absorption of micronutrients. A question that is still being raised is whether acute or chronic exercise modifies antioxidant requirements. First, the present review brings to light the most crucial studies on the topic. Second, it interprets the established relationships between antioxidant micronutrient intakes and the adaptive response of antioxidant systems. Finally, it exposes the major questions connected with antioxidant micronutrient requirements for athletes. To this effect, the training-load interaction with nutrition is taken into account. As oxidative stress cannot be avoided, the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants can be alleviated to minimise oxidative damage and outcomes. There is growing evidence that one specific antioxidant cannot by itself prevent oxidative stress-induced damage, as direct adverse effects of supplementation are attributed to undesirable synergic effects. Other effects can be supposed that limit the endogenous adaptive effect of training. High doses of antioxidant supplements can minimise the effects of radical oxygen species themselves or generate pro-oxidant effects. Effects are only exhibited when nutritional status is deficient. There are no convincing effects of supplementation in well-trained athletes. Risk/benefit analysis emerges on evidence for an unknown risk of supranutritional intakes, a supposed impairment of adaptive effects and a still unknown long-term risk. Appropriate status can be achieved by a diversified and balanced diet, adapted to specific needs, by awareness of high-density food intakes (avoiding products containing a low density of micronutrients).

The effect of Protandim supplementation on oxidative damage and athletic performance.

“…At the present time, there is not a recommended daily amount of antioxidants an individual should consume on a daily basis 59 . The amount of antioxidants each person should have will be different depending on activity levels and competition goals 59 .…”

“…The amount of antioxidants each person should have will be different depending on activity levels and competition goals 59 . A diet high in antioxidants can fend off exercise-induced oxidative stress and promote training adaptations 9 .…”

“…Athletes are normally the healthiest and fittest individuals, yet ironically athletes are among the highest consumers of supplements on the market today 59 . Athletes are generally those with 1) the healthiest diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, 2) nonsmokers, and 3) have a regular, structured exercise program 59 .…”

“…Athletes are generally those with 1) the healthiest diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, 2) nonsmokers, and 3) have a regular, structured exercise program 59 . Through regular training on a daily basis and a progressive training load, an individual's antioxidant reserve adapts and is able to produce enough antioxidant enzymes to rid the blood and muscle tissue of ROS more rapidly 41,59 . However, the speed at which each individual's endogenous antioxidant reserve adapts to a training load differs 59 .…”

“…Through regular training on a daily basis and a progressive training load, an individual's antioxidant reserve adapts and is able to produce enough antioxidant enzymes to rid the blood and muscle tissue of ROS more rapidly 41,59 . However, the speed at which each individual's endogenous antioxidant reserve adapts to a training load differs 59 . The adaptive response is the function of individual factors such as the type of exercise performed, the age of the individual, the training period and level, environmental conditions, and lastly interindividual differences 59 .…”