Some vitamin supplements, especially vitamins C and E, could make endurance events more difficult, according to a study by a team of researchers at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences in Oslo. These products should be used with caution as they can reduce the way muscles respond to exercise, experts explain in the review. The Journal of Physiology.
During an 11-week trial, all 54 study participants were given a dose of 1000 mg of vitamin C and 235 mg of vitamin E or a sugar pill. They trained up to four times a week, the site reports BBC News. In the 20-meter speed tests, no difference was observed by the researchers. On the other hand, blood samples and the results of tissue biopsies from athletes suggest differences in the internal development of muscles.
“Each muscle cell contains many mitochondria which give it energy. People who take vitamin supplements seem to produce less mitochondria than the amount needed to keep up with the growing demand for muscle,” explains BBC News.
A study that divides
Some researchers, like Mike Gleeson, professor of biochemistry at Loughborough University, are not convinced by this work. According to him, the factor that plays a major role in athletic performance is the speed with which the heart and lungs receive oxygen circulates to the muscles, not the mitochondria. Others, like Dr Emma Derbyshire of the Health Information Service, add that the benefits of these supplements have been scientifically proven.
“Eating as healthy a diet as possible is very important for sports people and athletes. However, with an intense training program, especially in people who practice endurance sports, eating well can be difficult. multivitamin and mineral supplement provides a way to provide these essential nutrients, including vitamin C and E, while following recommended guidelines, ”she explains to BBC News.
