Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Vitamins C and E Reduce Adaptations to Endurance Training

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Vitamins C and E Reduce Adaptations to Endurance Training

January 30, 2017 - Admin

Endurance training increases muscle cell mitochondria (the powerhouses of the cell), running speed and maximal oxygen consumption. An 11-week Norwegian study of 54 fit men and women showed that supplementing vitamin C (1,000 milligrams per day) and vitamin E (235 milligrams per day) blunted increases in mitochondria protein that usually accompany endurance training. However, the supplements did not impair maximal oxygen consumption or running speed during the experiments. Endurance, the capacity to sustain exercise intensity, is highly related to mitochondrial content but only moderately related to maximal oxygen consumption. Long-term consumption of vitamin E and C supplements could eventually decrease endurance capacity. Antioxidant supplements could interfere with endurance training gains. (Journal of Physiology, published online February 3, 2014)