$Unique_ID{BRK02030}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Use of Vitamin C and Other Vitamins after Strenuous Physical
Activity}
$Subject{fitness vitamin C muscle soreness exercise pain oxygen free radicals
muscle tissue metabolism radiation sun air pollution cigarette smoke smoking
cigarettes toxins vitamin E beta-carotene antioxidants atherosclerosis cancer
heart disease immune response anti-oxidants}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Use of Vitamin C and Other Vitamins after Strenuous Physical Activity


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QUESTION:  I suppose I still have much to learn, but when my neighbor, who is
a fitness buff, told me that he now takes large doses of Vitamin C to help
cure the muscle soreness that develops after some of his more ambitious
exercise activity, I was more than a little skeptical.  Is there any logic to
his statement, and can you please explain it to me?  If there is any basis for
his statement I am sure that many of your readers would be very interested.

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ANSWER:  Yes, we all live and learn, and there is much that is new in the
world of vitamins that demands some attention.  During strenuous exercise,
muscles need oxygen at higher levels than for ordinary activity.  The
metabolic actions that ensue release a large number of free radicals which
can actually damage muscle tissue.  Free radicals are the result of both
normal body metabolism, as well as from environmental hazards, such as
radiation from the sun, air pollution, exposure to cigarette smoke and from
other toxins.  However some nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and
beta-carotene trap these injurious free radicals, remove them from the
tissues, and prevent the damage they can provoke.  When nutrients work in this
manner, they are classified as "antioxidants" and this process is the current
focus of much nutritional research.  Some of the latest information now to be
found indicates that the muscle damage can occur even in a highly trained
athlete due to free radical formation.  And that's the reason your friend is
increasing his intake of vitamin C.  He probably is also using vitamin E and
beta-carotene as well in his daily regimen.
     Since free radicals may damage other tissues besides muscles, this new
area of scientific investigation may hold promise for other medical problems
as well, including atherosclerosis, cancer, heart disease, and the body's
response to infection (immune response).  The research into antioxidants is
still in its infancy, but the possibility that new answers may come from the
research has not escaped the attention of many health oriented individuals.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.