During exercise, the body’s oxygen consumption increases dramatically, resulting in an increase in free radicals and reactive oxygen species.
While these molecules are necessary for signalling, excessive accumulation can cause oxidative damage to cells, proteins, and DNA.
This phenomenon, known as exercise-induced oxidative stress, is linked to muscular fatigue, inflammation, and delayed recovery.
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They act by neutralising free radicals and Reactive oxygen species, preventing them from damaging cellular structures.
Antioxidant supplements, such as vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, and polyphenols, have been demonstrated in studies to reduce oxidative stress markers in athletes and those who engage in rigorous physical activities.
By scavenging free radicals, antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage and increase general recovery after exercise.
However, it is important to remember that antioxidants’ effects on exercise-induced oxidative stress can vary depending on the dose and context.
Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to chronic diseases like cardiovascular, diabetes, neurodegenerative, and cancer. Long-term exposure to pro-oxidant factors can cause mitochondrial DNA defects, enzyme and cellular structural changes, and gene expression aberrations (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020). While modest antioxidant supplementation may help to reduce oxidative stress and improve recovery, an excessive amount of antioxidants may interfere with the body’s natural adaptive responses to exercise and dull training adaptations.
When introducing antioxidants into a fitness plan, it is critical to achieve a balance and take into account individual circumstances.
According to Birben et al. (2012) Oxidative stress can arise from overproduction of ROS by metabolic reactions that use oxygen and shift the balance between oxidant/antioxidant statuses in favour of the oxidants. ROS are produced by cellular metabolic activities and environmental factors, such as air pollutants.
Reference:
1. Birben, E., Sahiner, U. M., Sackesen, C., Erzurum, S., & Kalayci, O. (2012). Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense. The World Allergy Organization journal, 5(1), 9โ19.ย https://doi.org/10.1097/WOX.0b
2.Sharifi-Rad, M., Anil Kumar, N. V., Zucca, P., Varoni, E. M., Dini, L., Panzarini, E., Rajkovic, J., Tsouh Fokou, P. V., Azzini, E., Peluso, I., Prakash Mishra, A., Nigam, M., El Rayess, Y., Beyrouthy, M. E., Polito, L., Iriti, M., Martins, N., Martorell, M., Docea, A. O., Setzer, W. N., โฆ Sharifi-Rad, J. (2020). Lifestyle, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants: Back and Forth in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Diseases. Frontiers in physiology, 11, 694.ย https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.
Antioxidants and Sports Performance

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