Nieman, D. C., Henson, D. A., McAnulty, S. R., McAnulty, L., Swick, N. S., Utter, A. C., Vinci, D. M., Opiela, S. J., & Morrow, J. D. (2002). Influence of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative and immune changes following an ultramarathon. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 514.

Vitamin-C (N =15) and placebo (N =13) groups competed in an ultramarathon. For seven days before the race, Ss ingested 1,500 mg of vitamin C or a placebo each day. On race day, blood samples were drawn one hour before the start, after 32 km of running, and immediately after the race. During the event, Ss ingested one liter per hour of a carbohydrate beverage with or without vitamin C.

Plasma ascorbic acid was markedly higher in the vitamin C group and rose higher during the race. Oxidative measures (lipid hyperoxide, F2-isoprostane) rose higher during the race in both groups. Immune cell counts were similar in both groups. No relationship between vitamin C and any factor was found.

Implication. Vitamin C supplementation in carbohydrate-fed runners in an ultramarathon does not alter oxidative or immune responses.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.