Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Antioxidant supplementation (specifically Vitamin C and E) can attenuate exercise-induced adaptations, such as mitochondrial biogenesis and improvements in VO2max, by interfering with reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathways.
Be cautious with high-dose antioxidant supplements (like Vitamin C and E) if you are training for endurance. They might blunt the fitness gains you are working for by interfering with your body's natural signaling. It is likely better to get antioxidants from food sources rather than high-dose supplements during training blocks.
GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
Oral administration of vitamin C decreases muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and hampers training-induced adaptations in endurance performance. ... the Vitamin C supplementation attenuated the effects of exercise, in a given group, but this did not eliminate or curb the beneficial effects.
Why this rating
Based on specific human studies cited (Gomez-Cabrera et al., 2008) and general consensus on ROS signaling.
Source
Issues on Trainability
Zsolt Radák et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2022
narrative_reviewCited 8×
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