Post-exercise vitamin C supplementation and recovery from demanding exercise

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether post-exercise vitamin C supplementation influences recovery from an unaccustomed bout of exercise. Sixteen male subjects were allocated to either a placebo (P; n=8) or vitamin C (VC) group ( n=8). Subjects performed a prolonged (90-min) intermittent shuttle-running test, and supplementation began after the cessation of exercise. Immediately after exercise the VC group consumed 200 mg of VC dissolved in a 500 ml drink, whereas the subjects in the P group consumed the drink alone. Later on the same day and then in the morning and evening of the following 2 days, subjects consumed additional identical drinks. Plasma VC concentrations in the VC group increased above those in the P group 1 h after exercise and remained above P values for the 3 days after exercise. Nevertheless, post-exercise VC supplementation was not associated with improved recovery. Post-exercise serum creatine kinase activities and myoglobin concentrations were unaffected by supplementation. Muscle soreness and the recovery of muscle function in the leg flexors and extensors were not different in VC and P groups. Furthermore, although plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde increased following exercise, there was no difference between VC and P groups. These results suggest that either free radicals are not involved in delaying the recovery process following a bout of unaccustomed exercise, or that the consumption of VC wholly after exercise is unable to deliver this antioxidant to the appropriate sites with sufficient expediency to improve recovery.

Vitamin C supplementation influences the antioxidant response and nitric oxide handling of erythrocytes and lymphocytes to diving apnea

“…However, a general increase in lymphocyte ascorbate concentration was observed after diving apnea and recovery; mainly in the supplemented group. These results are in agreement with previous studies, which showed increases in lymphocyte ascorbate after different exercises (Thompson et al, 2003). Lymphocytes respond to the oxidative stress generated by exercise increasing ascorbate uptake.…”

Acute Effects of Polyphenols from Cranberries and Grape Seeds on Endothelial Function and Performance in Elite Athletes

“…Finally, polyphenols have well characterized antioxidant properties [1]. The impact of antioxidant supplementation on sports performance is highly debated, but it should be stressed that most studies on this topic have been conducted using relatively weaker antioxidant supplements such as vitamins [34][35][36]. It will be interesting to balance the FMD-related effects of polyphenols with their antioxidant-related effects on recovery and performance.…”

Post-Match Changes in Muscle Damage Markers among U-21 Soccer Players

“…On the day of the game, players arrived at the laboratory aft er an overnight fast of between 10 and 12 h. A resting blood sample was taken aft er participants had been standing for at least 15 min, aft er which participants consumed a light standardized meal and drink and rested for 2 h. Th e meal consisted of 1.7 g white bread and 0.3 g of low-fat spread (both values are per kilogram of body mass) (Th ompson et al, 2003). Participants abstained from alcohol and caff eine consumption for at least 24 h and did not perform any exercise for the 72 h before testing.…”