HIGH-DOSE ASCORBIC ACID ATTENUATES EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA

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.

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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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