An antioxidant and multivitamin supplement reduced improvements in VO₂max.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an antioxidant supplement on training induced changes in VO₂max in well-trained subjects. In a double-blinded placebo controlled design, a total of 40 amateur soccer players and 14 multi sports athletes were block-randomised into a placebo group or an antioxidant supplemented group (SUP). The SUP group consumed two commercially available antioxidant/vitamin supplements for 6 weeks according to manufacturer instructions (LifePak® Essentials Super A) and the placebo group took a similar amount of placebo tablets. Before and after the supplementation period, the athletes were tested for skin carotenoid score and VO₂max. During the supplementation period all subjects continued their normal training in the preparation phase of the season. Six week supplementation with the antioxidant vitamin/mineral supplement increased skin carotenoid score by 27 ± 6% while no change was observed in the placebo group. VO₂max increased by 5.6 ± 2.0% in the placebo group while no change was observed in the SUP group. The relative increase in VO₂max was significantly higher in the placebo group than in the SUP group. In conclusion, the antioxidant vitamin/mineral supplement used in this study seemed to reduce training efficiency indicated by the lack of increase in VO₂max in the SUP group.
Faculty of Education, Østfold University College Halden, Norway - truls.raastad@nih.no.
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D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D056352:Athletes; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects*; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology; D014815:Vitamins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D000975:Antioxidants; D014815:Vitamins; D002338:Carotenoids