Vitamin E and C supplementation does not ameliorate muscle dysfunction after anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
Muscle atrophy and weakness are predominant impairments after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgical repair. We tested the hypothesis that vitamin E and C supplementation will improve recovery from ACL injury. Men undergoing elective ACL surgery were randomly assigned to twice-daily supplements of either antioxidants (AO; vitamins E and C, n=10) or matching placebos (n=10) from 2 weeks before until 3 months after surgery. Each subject provided several fasting blood draws, two muscle biopsies from the thigh muscle of the injured limb, and strength and thigh circumference measurements of the lower limbs. Muscle atrophy was apparent in both groups before and several days after surgery. Compared with baseline measurements, peak isometric force of the injured limb increased significantly (P<0.05) by 3 months postsurgery in both treatment groups; however, AO supplementation did not augment these strength gains. By contrast, baseline plasma ascorbic acid concentrations correlated (r=0.59, P=0.006) with subsequent improvement in the strength of the injured limb. In summary, vitamin E and C supplementation was ineffective in potentiating the improvement in force production by the injured limb; however, baseline vitamin C status was associated with beneficial outcomes in strength, suggesting that long-term dietary habits are more effective than short-term supplements.
Barker
Tyler
T
The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, Murray, UT 84107, USA.
Leonard
Scott W
SW
Hansen
Janet
J
Trawick
Roy H
RH
Ingram
Ronda
R
Burdett
Graham
G
Lebold
Katherine M
KM
Walker
James A
JA
Traber
Maret G
MG
D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D001706:Biopsy; D049628:Body Size; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects; D024505:Tocopherols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood
D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D024505:Tocopherols