Sports Performance

Experts in the USA recently reported that supplementation with the potent antioxidants Vitamin E & Vitamin C in the 6 weeks prior to an ultra-marathon event prevents lipid oxidation. Of the 22 runners involved in the experiment, 11 received 1,000mg of Vitamin C and 400IU of Vitamin E for the 6 weeks leading up to a 50km race. This group of athletes demonstrated normal biomarkers for lipid oxidation damage compared to the group control that showed significant increases in lipid oxidation to the levels often seen in individuals recovering from heart attacks. Lipid oxidation is the preliminary stage leading to hardening of the arteries and the onset of heart disease.

The study, carried out at the Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, conclude that "it was clearly shown that supplementation with these antioxidant vitamins could help prevent the significant levels of lipid oxidation that are associated with intense exercise"