alpha-Tocopherol supplementation in racing cyclists during extreme endurance training

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Sports Science

Background:

• Elite athletes experience significant oxidative stress during strenuous exercise.
• Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) is a potent antioxidant with potential ergogenic benefits.
• Understanding vitamin E's role in exercise performance and oxidative stress is crucial for athlete optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of 5-month alpha-tocopherol supplementation on physical performance in elite cyclists.
• To assess the antioxidative effects of alpha-tocopherol supplementation during aerobic exercise training.
• To evaluate changes in key biomarkers of muscle damage and oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 30 elite cyclists.
• Supplementation with alpha-tocopherol or a placebo for 5 months.
• Assessment of physical performance, heart rate, lactate levels, and serum biomarkers (CK, GOT, GPT, LDH, malondialdehyde).

Main Results:

• Plasma alpha-tocopherol levels significantly increased in the supplemented group.
• No significant improvements in physical performance, heart rate, or lactate thresholds were observed.
• Significant reduction in serum creatine kinase (CK) and malondialdehyde levels in the vitamin E group.
• A trend towards decreased GOT, GPT, and LDH was noted with alpha-tocopherol supplementation.

Conclusions:

• Alpha-tocopherol supplementation does not enhance aerobic exercise performance in elite cyclists.
• Supplementation demonstrates a protective effect against exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle damage.
• Vitamin E may mitigate biochemical markers of strenuous exercise in athletes.