Antioxidants and Exercise Performance: With a Focus on Vitamin E and C Supplementation

Madalyn Riley Higgins, Azimeh Izadi and Mojtaba Kaviani
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Madalyn Riley Higgins: Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
Azimeh Izadi: Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166/15731, Iran
Mojtaba Kaviani: Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-26

Abstract: Antioxidant supplementation, including vitamin E and C supplementation, has recently received recognition among athletes as a possible method for enhancing athletic performance. Increased oxidative stress during exercise results in the production of free radicals, which leads to muscle damage, fatigue, and impaired performance. Despite their negative effects on performance, free radicals may act as signaling molecules enhancing protection against greater physical stress. Current evidence suggests that antioxidant supplementation may impair these adaptations. Apart from athletes training at altitude and those looking for an immediate, short-term performance enhancement, supplementation with vitamin E does not appear to be beneficial. Moreover, the effectiveness of vitamin E and C alone and/or combined on muscle mass and strength have been inconsistent. Given that antioxidant supplements (e.g., vitamin E and C) tend to block anabolic signaling pathways, and thus, impair adaptations to resistance training, special caution should be taken with these supplements. It is recommended that athletes consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which provides vitamins, minerals phytochemicals, and other bioactive compounds to meet the recommended intakes of vitamin E and C.

Keywords: sport performance; altitude training; resistance exercise; dietary supplements; free radicals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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