Vitamin C and E supplementation blunts increases in total lean body mass in elderly men after strength training.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 26129928 · doi:10.1111/sms.12506
What was done
Thirty-four elderly men aged 60 to 81 were randomized to receive either high-dose antioxidant supplementation (500 mg vitamin C and 117.5 mg vitamin E taken both before and after training) or a placebo while completing a 12-week strength training program (3 sessions per week). Total and regional lean mass were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), muscle thickness of the rectus femoris and elbow flexors was measured by ultrasound, and muscle strength was assessed via one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing.
What was found
Total lean mass increased significantly more in the placebo group than in the antioxidant group (3.9% [95% CI: 3.0, 5.2] vs. 1.4% [95% CI: 0, 5.4]; P = 0.04). Thickness of the rectus femoris also increased more in the placebo group (16.2% [95% CI: 12.8, 24.1] vs. 10.9% [95% CI: 9.8, 13.5]; P = 0.01). Increases in lean mass of the trunk and arms, and elbow flexor muscle thickness, did not differ significantly between groups. Muscle strength (1RM) improved by 15% to 21% across all participants (P < 0.001) with no significant differences between groups.
Why it matters
High-dose antioxidant supplementation around workouts may blunt muscular hypertrophy adaptations to resistance training in older adults without providing additional strength benefits.
Limits
The study had a small sample size (n = 34) and was conducted exclusively in elderly men. The abstract does not report whether the trial was double-blinded, nor does it provide details on baseline nutritional status or dietary antioxidant intake.
Cited by
- supports High-dose combined vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation has been shown to blunt exercise-induced physiological adaptations.