Tecklenburg, S., Stager, J. M., Bai, Y., Fly, A. D., & Mickelborough, T. D. (2006). Ascorbic acid supplementation reduces severity of exercise-induced asthma. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 2158.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation on the severity of exercise-induced asthma. Eight Ss with exercise-induced asthma entered the study on their normal diet and were then placed on either two weeks of ascorbic acid supplementation (1500 mg/day) or placebo, followed by a one-week washout period, before crossing over to the alternative diet. Pre- and post-exercise pulmonary function was assessed at the conclusion of each treatment period. In addition, urine samples were collected pre- and post-exercise and assayed.

Ascorbic acid supplementation significantly reduced the mean maximum fall in post-exercise forced-expiratory volume compared to normal diet and placebo. Post-exercise exhaled breath nitric oxide was reduced on ascorbic acid supplementation compared to normal diet and placebo. Ascorbic acid supplementation induced significant reductions in urinary parameters.

Implication. High-dose ascorbic acid supplementation reduces the severity of exercise-induced asthma.

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