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Can physical stress be measured in urine using the parameter antioxidative potential?
Hicham Benkhai1, Sandra Lemanski, Harald Below
1Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Ernst Moritz Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany.
GMS Krankenhaushygiene Interdisziplinar
|October 14, 2010
Summary
Competitive sports significantly reduce the body's antioxidant potential by up to 50%. This study recommends antioxidant-rich foods to help athletes counteract this exercise-induced decline.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Regular exercise generally promotes health.
- Competitive sports increase free radical production.
- This can lead to a decrease in the body's antioxidative potential (AOP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of competitive sports on antioxidative potential (AOP).
- To quantify the reduction in AOP experienced by athletes during intense training.
Main Methods:
- Chemiluminescence was used to measure AOP in spontaneous urine samples.
- Measurements were taken from leisure and semi-professional athletes during a training camp.
- Creatinine and uric acid levels were also monitored.
Main Results:
- Physical stress from competitive sports caused a significant drop in AOP, reaching up to approximately 50%.
- The study observed a clear negative correlation between intense physical exertion and antioxidative capacity.
Conclusions:
- Competitive sports activities can substantially deplete the body's antioxidant defenses.
- Athletes experiencing high physical stress should consider dietary adjustments.
- Supplementation with antioxidant-rich foods is advised to mitigate exercise-induced oxidative stress.
