ascorbic-acid and Myalgia

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) seems to attenuate the overproduction of reactive species during and after exercises. Yet, no meta-analysis has summarized the magnitude of this effect. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effects of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, damage, soreness, and the musculoskeletal functionality after a single bout of exercise.. Major electronic databases were searched, from inception to September 2019, for placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative stress parameters, inflammation markers, muscle damage, muscle soreness, and muscle functionality after a single bout of exercise in healthy volunteers. Random-effects modelling was used to compare mean changes from pre- to postexercise in participants that were supplemented with vitamin C versus placebo. Data were reported as standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).. A total of 18 RCTs, accounting for 313 participants (62% males, median age = 24 years) were included. Vitamin C supplementation reduced lipid peroxidation immediately (SMD = - 0.488; 95% CI = - 0.888 to - 0.088), 1 h (SMD = - 0.521; 95% CI = - 0.911 to - 0.131) and between 1 and 2 h (SMD = - 0.449; 95% CI = - 0.772 to - 0.126) following exercise. Exercise induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) response was attenuated 2 h (SMD = - 0.764; 95% CI = - 1.279 to - 0.248) and between 1 and 2 h (SMD = - 0.447; 95% CI = - 0.828 to - 0.065) after exercise. No effects of vitamin C supplementation were found on creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol levels, muscle soreness, and muscle strength.. Vitamin C supplementation attenuates the oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) and inflammatory response (IL-6) to a single bout of exercise.. PROSPERO (CRD42018094222).

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Exercise; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Myalgia; Oxidative Stress; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Young Adult

Considering the existing controversy over the possible role of acute antioxidant vitamins in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), this doubled-blind, randomized and controlled trial aimed to determine whether supplementation with vitamins C and E could mitigate the EIMD in endurance-trained runners (n = 18). The exercise protocol involved a warm-up followed by 6 to 8 bouts of 1 km running at 75% maximum heart rate (HRmax). Two hours before the exercise protocol, participants took the supplementation with vitamins or placebo, and immediately afterwards, blood lactate, rate of perceived exertion and performance were assessed. At 24 h post-exercise, CK, delayed onset muscle soreness and performance were determined (countermovement jump, squat jump and stiffness test). The elastic index and vertical stiffness were calculated using a stiffness test. Immediately after the exercise protocol, all participants showed improved maximum countermovement jump, which only persisted after 24 h in the vitamin group (p < 0.05). In both groups, squat jump height was significantly greater (p < 0.05) immediately after exercise and returned to baseline values after 24 h. The elastic index increased in the vitamin group (p < 0.05), but not in the placebo group. In both groups, lactate levels increased from pre- to immediately post-exercise (p < 0.05), and CK increased from pre- to 24 h post-exercise (p < 0.05). No significant differences between groups were observed in any of the variables (p > 0.05). Vitamin C and E supplementation does not seem to help with EIMD in endurance-trained individuals.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Lactates; Muscle, Skeletal; Myalgia; Vitamin E; Vitamins

We investigated the effect of antioxidant supplementation on markers of muscle damage, antioxidant status, and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) after repeated downhill runs. Moderately-trained males (n=22) were randomly assigned to a supplement (S) or placebo (P) group. Capsules (vitamin C:1 000 mg/d; vitamin E: 400 IU/d) were ingested daily for 2 weeks. before the first (1D) and second (2D) downhill runs, and for 2 additional days following each run. Creatine kinase (CK) activity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were measured pre-exercise and at 0 (immediately), 6, 24 and 48 h post-exercise (POST). DOMS was rated for quadriceps, hamstring, gluteus, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h POST. CK at 48 h following 1D remained elevated above pre-exercise only in P (P<0.01). Overall, DOMS of the quadriceps was lower in S (1.1±0.3) than P (2.2±0.5) (P<0.05). At 24 h POST in S, CK was lower (P<0.01) and ORAC was higher (P<0.05) following 2D than 1D. CK and ORAC following 2D were blunted and augmented, respectively, in response to 1D and antioxidant supplementation enhanced this protective effect as indicated by an attenuation of biomarkers of muscle damage and a greater antioxidant capacity observed 24 h POST 2D.

Topics: Absorption, Physicochemical; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Creatine Kinase; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Myalgia; Reactive Oxygen Species; Running; Vitamin E; Young Adult

A female patient presented with exertional dyspnea, myalgia, a petechial rash of the lower extremities and pronounced gingivitis. The biochemical test results showed the presence of anemia. The patient had a known eating disorder and on questioning about eating habits admitted that she did not eat any fruit or vegetables. This led to the suspicion of a vitamin C deficiency, which was confirmed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The patient was subsequently treated with 1000 mg ascorbic acid daily for 1 month whereby the clinical symptoms and anemia improved within a few weeks.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Dyspnea; Female; Gingivitis; Humans; Lower Extremity; Middle Aged; Myalgia; Purpura

Scurvy is often diagnosed at the state of well-established signs as, for example, skin and visceral purpura, gums involvement, loss of healthy teeth, which derive mostly from disturbance of collagen metabolism. Little is known about the state of latent scurvy, which symptoms are nonspecific and may mimic more common conditions such as weakness, leg pain, and muscle aching.. We report 3 cases of extreme lassitude and leg pain in alcoholics. In 2 of the 3 cases, discreet classic symptoms such as petechiae or hyperkeratosis of the legs involving collagen metabolism were also present.. Latent scurvy has been diagnosed thanks to historical experimental data reporting and undetectable ascorbic acid levels.. In addition to the treatments recommended by the French Alcohol Society, patients were given oral vitamin C 500 mg to 1000 mg per day for at least three months.. Vitamin C supplementation allowed the regression of the symptoms, greatly improved the quality of life, and gave the possibility to return to work. Cartinine, requiring vitamin C for its hydroxylation, is an essential cofactor in the transport of long-chain fatty acid into mitochondrial matrix. Therefore, it plays an important role in energy production via beta-oxidation. It is thought that carnitine metabolism impairment is responsible for weakness or muscle aching.. We recommend being aware of the possibility of latent scurvy in chronic alcohol abusers. The vitamin C supplementation and dietetic recommendation eating fresh fruit and vegetables may help to cure tiredness and to return more easily to socialization and to work.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Fatigue; Humans; Leg; Male; Middle Aged; Myalgia; Scurvy; Vitamins

This study examined the effects of antioxidant vitamins, ibuprofen, cold water submersion, and whey protein administered simultaneously on short-term recovery. Competitive athletes (n = 22) performed the protocol in 2 occasions (treatment and control) separated by 15 days in counterbalanced crossover design. Each occasion consisted of morning and afternoon sessions (AM and PM). In each session, participants performed 2 bouts of high-intensity anaerobic cycling separated by 30 minutes of rest. Each bout consisted of 3 Wingate tests (3 × 30-second Wingate tests) with 3 minutes of active recovery in between. Power output, rated perceived exertion (RPE), and pain scores were averaged and compared between the 2 sessions (AM vs. PM) and between the treatment vs. control (4 bouts). Creatine kinase (CK) levels were also measured 24 hours after the AM bout. Power output, CK, muscle soreness, and RPE were measured as recovery indices. Creatine kinase increased (p < 0.001) in both treatment and control 24 hours after the AM session. Performance results in the PM session for treatment/control were 832.5 ± 198.7/813.3 ± 187.6 W for peak power (PP), and 497.85 ± 120.7/486.1 ± 115 W for mean power (MP). Treatment was effective in maintaining MP (p = 0.034) in the PM sessions, but there was no significant effect of treatment on PP (p = 0.193), CK (p = 0.08), pain (p = 0.12), or RPE (p = 0.45). Treatment was helpful in protecting performance, but this was apparently not due to reduced muscle soreness or damage.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Creatine Kinase; Cross-Over Studies; Cryotherapy; Exercise; Humans; Ibuprofen; Immersion; Male; Myalgia; Physical Exertion; Random Allocation; Recovery of Function; Vitamin E; Whey Proteins; Young Adult