Exercise is associated with significant metabolic stress and the degree of this stress is related to the relative intensity of the exercise and the fitness of the individual. Eccentric skeletal muscle movements, those that require contraction under conditions of elongation, can generate significant exercise stress as they cause a much greater degree of damage to the skeletal muscles compared to concentric exercise. Vitamin E may be able to protect from some of the damage from eccentric muscle contractions, and this may relate to its ability to act as an antioxidant. Vitamin E can reduce exercise induced increase in lipid peroxidation seen following exercise and in the recovery period and may also be able to attenuate the reductions in circulating neutrophils seen in older individuals. Vitamin E is also associated with a significant increase in circulating creatinine kinase activity following exercise, which may be a marker for an increased rate of skeletal muscle turnover and repair. Another major benefit of vitamin E post exercise is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal, something that may explain the favorable lipoprotein profiles associated with vitamin E supplementation.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
Evans, W. J. (2000). Vitamin E, vitamin C, and exercise. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 72(2): 647S-652S
