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Lung function and treadmill performance of smoking and nonsmoking males receiving ascorbic acid supplements
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation did not significantly improve lung function or exercise performance in healthy smokers and nonsmokers. While plasma vitamin C levels increased, key physiological and performance metrics remained largely unaffected by the supplement.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties.
- Its potential benefits for lung function and exercise performance, particularly in smokers, are of interest.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding vitamin C's impact on physical capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of daily ascorbic acid supplementation on lung function and treadmill exercise performance in healthy adult smokers and nonsmokers.
- To determine if vitamin C supplementation influences physiological responses to exercise, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and lactic acid levels.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study design was employed.
- Twelve healthy smokers and 10 healthy nonsmokers participated, undergoing two 3-week periods of supplementation (ascorbic acid or placebo) separated by a 1-month washout period.
- Lung function tests and treadmill performance tests were conducted, along with measurements of plasma vitamin C, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood lactic acid.
Main Results:
- Ascorbic acid supplementation significantly increased plasma vitamin C levels in both smokers and nonsmokers.
- No significant differences were observed between ascorbic acid and placebo treatments for lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1%), resting heart rate, blood pressure, treadmill workload, or postexercise lactic acid and ventilation.
- A non-significant trend towards lower postexercise systolic blood pressure was noted in nonsmokers receiving ascorbic acid.
Conclusions:
- A daily 300 mg supplement of ascorbic acid had minimal impact on the lung function and physical performance of healthy smoking and nonsmoking males.
- The findings suggest that vitamin C supplementation at this dosage does not offer significant ergogenic benefits or improve respiratory function in this population.
- Further research may be warranted to explore different dosages or specific subgroups.