Vitamin C supplementation does not alter the immune response to 2.5 hours of running.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to determine the influence of vitamin C supplementation on the immune response to 2.5 hr of high-intensity running. Twelve experienced marathon runners (VO2 max 51.6 +/- 1.5 ml.kg-1.min-1, age 40.5 +/- 2.0 years) were randomized into vitamin C (1,000 mg/day for 8 days) or placebo groups. On the test day, subjects ran at 75-80% VO2 max for 2.5 hr, with five blood samples taken before and for 6 hr after. Blood samples were analyzed for cortisol and catecholamines; leukocyte subsets; interleukin-6; natural killer cell activity; lymphocyte proliferation as induced by concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, and pokeweed mitogen; and granulocyte phagocytosis and activated oxidative burst. Compared with placebo, vitamin C supplementation had no significant effect on the pattern of change in any of these hormonal or immune measures following 2.5 hr of intensive running.
Nieman
D C
DC
Department of Health, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA.
Henson
D A
DA
Butterworth
D E
DE
Warren
B J
BJ
Davis
J M
JM
Fagoaga
O R
OR
Nehlsen-Cannarella
S L
SL
D000328:Adult; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*
D015850:Interleukin-6; D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D004837:Epinephrine