Antioxidant supplementation blunts the proteome response to 3 weeks of sprint interval training preferentially in human type 2 muscle fibres.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Placebo-controlled experimental trial in humans
PubMed 40433923 · doi:10.1113/JP288638
What was done
Young men completed 3 weeks of sprint interval training (SIT; 3 sessions per week of 4–6 × 30-second all-out cycling bouts) while receiving either daily antioxidant supplementation (vitamin C, 1 g/day; vitamin E, 235 mg/day) or placebo. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR to measure acute gene expression of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species sensors and inflammatory mediators during the first session, and mass spectrometry-based proteomics to assess fiber type-specific (type 1 vs. type 2) proteome changes after 3 weeks. Maximal cycling performance was also evaluated.
What was found
The abstract reports directional findings without specific numerical values, effect sizes, or statistical metrics. Antioxidant treatment attenuated the acute upregulation of ROS sensor and inflammatory regulator genes during the initial training session. Across the 3 weeks, SIT induced broader proteome remodeling—including greater upregulation of mitochondrial energy production proteins—in type 2 muscle fibers compared to type 1 fibers. Vitamin supplementation blunted these SIT-induced proteomic changes, but it did not alter the training-induced improvements in maximal cycling performance.
Why it matters
This study provides evidence that reactive oxygen species signaling during sprint training is necessary for optimal mitochondrial and proteomic adaptation in fast-twitch muscle fibers, advising against high-dose antioxidant supplementation during sprint training.
Limits
The abstract does not state the total sample size (n), participant baseline fitness levels, or exact numerical results. The trial was restricted to young men and lasted only 3 weeks. Submaximal endurance capacity was not directly measured, leaving conclusions regarding submaximal performance theoretical.
Cited by
- supports Supplemental antioxidants, specifically combinations of vitamin C and vitamin E, blunt exercise adaptations.