The effects of vitamin C and E on exercise-induced physiological adaptations: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Study answer

What this study found

Vitamin C and/or vitamin E did not meaningfully blunt training adaptations. Pooled effects were null for VO2max (SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.43 to 0.15, P = 0.35), endurance performance (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.36, P = 0.97), lean mass (SMD -0.07, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.23, P = 0.67), and muscle strength (SMD -0.15, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.46, P = 0.35). Age did not modify the results, and adverse events were not reported.

Study & population

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in adults undergoing supervised aerobic or resistance training.

Intervention

Oral vitamin C and/or vitamin E supplementation was given alongside supervised exercise training, most commonly vitamin C 1000 mg/day and vitamin E 400 IU/day.

Key limitation

The evidence base was small, with modest numbers of participants across outcomes and variable supplement regimens and training protocols.

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Original abstract