Premium
Vitamin C and E supplementation blunts increases in total lean body mass in elderly men after strength training
Author(s) -
Bjørnsen T.,
Salvesen S.,
Berntsen S.,
Hetlelid K. J.,
Stea T. H.,
LohneSeiler H.,
Rohde G.,
Haraldstad K.,
Raastad T.,
Køpp U.,
Haugeberg G.,
Mansoor M. A.,
Bastani N. E.,
Blomhoff R.,
Stølevik S. B.,
Seynnes O. R.,
Paulsen G.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.12506
Subject(s) - placebo , lean body mass , medicine , vitamin e , vitamin , antioxidant , placebo group , sarcopenia , endocrinology , strength training , zoology , physical therapy , chemistry , biochemistry , biology , body weight , alternative medicine , pathology
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation on changes in muscle mass (lean mass and muscle thickness) and strength during 12 weeks of strength training in elderly men. Thirty‐four elderly males (60–81 years) were randomized to either an antioxidant group (500 mg of vitamin C and 117.5 mg vitamin E before and after training) or a placebo group following the same strength training program (three sessions per week). Body composition was assessed with dual‐energy X ‐ray absorptiometry and muscle thickness by ultrasound imaging. Muscle strength was measured as one‐repetition maximum (1 RM ). Total lean mass increased by 3.9% (95% confidence intervals: 3.0, 5.2) and 1.4% (0, 5.4) in the placebo and antioxidant groups, respectively, revealing larger gains in the placebo group ( P = 0.04). Similarly, the thickness of m. rectus femoris increased more in the placebo group [16.2% (12.8, 24.1)] than in the antioxidant group [10.9% (9.8, 13.5); P = 0.01]. Increases of lean mass in trunk and arms, and muscle thickness of elbow flexors, did not differ significantly between groups. With no group differences, 1RM improved in the range of 15–21% ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, high‐dosage vitamin C and E supplementation blunted certain muscular adaptations to strength training in elderly men.