The Effects of Strength Training Combined with Vitamin C and E Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Study answer

What this study found

Overall, chronic vitamin C and E supplementation did not improve muscle strength or hypertrophy during resistance training. In the meta-analysis of isokinetic strength from 3 studies, the pooled effect was not significant (MD = 5.09 N/m; 95% CI: -1.39 to 11.41; P = 0.13; experimental n = 37; control n = 34). Individual trials were mostly null for hypertrophy, although some reported smaller muscle size gains with antioxidants, such as greater rectus femoris thickness increase in placebo than in antioxidants (+3.4 mm vs +1.9 mm) and no meaningful differences in several strength outcomes. The…

Study & population

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of resistance-training studies in adults and older adults, including healthy and nonhealthy participants, trained and sedentary individuals, and both men and women.

Intervention

Chronic vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation was given alongside resistance training across the included trials, most commonly vitamin C 1000 mg/day combined with vitamin E 235 mg/day, 400 IU/day, or 600 mg/day depending on the study.

Key limitation

The evidence base was small and heterogeneous, with only 3 studies contributing to the pooled strength analysis.

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Original abstract