Don't mess with stress: vitamin supplementation and the role of oxidative stress for aerobic exercise adaptation.

Abstract

The effect of chronic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplementation on the adaptive process to exercise training is an emerging area of research, with training implications that have yet to be elucidated fully. The use of these agents has become more popular amongst athletes and recreationally active individuals, thus the long-term consequence of their chronic use for muscle and cardiovascular adaptation is an important consideration for this population. Usage of these supplements relates to the common belief that exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress play a crucial role in muscle soreness and weakness in the hours and days following a strenuous bout of exercise. Hence, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplements are used with the expectation that reducing exercise-induced stress in fatigued muscles will reduce soreness and promote quicker recovery.