The influence of vitamin C on blood oxidative stress parameters in basketball players in response to maximal exercise

Abstract

Aim To evaluate the effects of vitamin C supplementation on blood antioxidants following maximal exercise in basketball players. Additionally, the effects of vitamin C supplementation on maximum oxygen uptake ( V O 2max ) were evaluated. Materials and methods Twenty-one players were divided into two groups – supplemented (S) and control (C). Participants from group S were supplemented with 240 mg/d of vitamin C for 21 days. Group C received a placebo. Both groups performed an incremental, V O 2max test on a cycle ergometer twice. Blood samples were assayed for GPx, SOD, CAT, GR enzyme activities and low molecular antioxidants: vitamin C, GSH, UA concentration as well as MDA and LA level. Results There was a significant effect of supplementation ( F = 8.22, p < 0.01) on serum concentration of vitamin C, yet there was no effect of 21-day vitamin C intake on blood antioxidant defense system, as well as on MDA and V O 2max . The exercise did not influence significantly the activity of – SOD, GPx, CAT, GR and GSH but it had a significant effect on blood concentration of vitamin C ( F = 18.89, p < 0.001), plasma UA ( F = 52.91 p < 0.001) and MDA ( F = 10.90 p < 0.001). Conclusion Vitamin C supplementation has no effect on blood antioxidant status and V O 2max in basketball players.