Vitamin E, vitamin C, and exercise.

Exercise increases the generation of oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation. Strenuous exercise in a person who is unconditioned or unaccustomed to exercise will induce oxidative damage and result in muscle injury. However, aerobic exercise training strengthens the antioxidant defense system by increasing superoxide dismutase. Vitamin C and, especially, vitamin E are shown to decrease the exercise-induced increase in the rate of lipid peroxidation. No ergogenic effects of either vitamin C or E have been shown.

Vitamin E was shown to significantly increase circulating neutrophils in older, but not younger, subjects performing eccentric exercise that causes an increase in skeletal muscle damage. In addition to its effect in augmenting the neutrophil response to eccentric exercise, vitamin E causes a greater increase in circulating creatine kinase activity, perhaps indicating increased skeletal muscle repair.

Conclusion – Increased vitamin E intake has been associated with enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin action as well as improved lipoprotein status. Future research should examine the combined effects of exercise training and vitamins E and C on these health-related outcomes.

Commentary by Dr. Calapai:

This is an excellent description of the need for adequate supplementation in those individuals that do exercise. All of the activities that we consider aerobic or anaerobic(ex. cardio vs. weight training) create wear and tear on cells and tissues. Part of this is beneficial in that it stimulates cellular response, and growth. But, it needs to be protected and enhanced with appropriate nutrient intake.

Typically recommendations include    —  Multivitamin

                                                           Time release Vit C

                                                           Chromium Polynicotinate

                                                           Cal/Mag

Of course recommendations are tailored to each persons height/weight, activity levels and exercise type/duration.

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