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| Radical change | |
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| Vitamin C and
vitamin E supplements may protect muscles from oxidative damage during exercise, say the authors of a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 24 long-distance runners. Compared to controls, the athletes who took 400 mg. of alpha-tocopheral and 200 mg. of ascorbic acid for 4.5 weeks prior to a marathon had remarkably lower levels of creatine kinase (CK) after the marathon. The antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E are thought to neutralize free radicals that can damage cell walls. Free radicals are by-products of aerobic respiration and can be toxic when levels become too high. |
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| Reference: Rokitzki L et al. Acta Physiol Scand 1994 151(2):149-58 Related links: Vitamin E and muscle Doctor's Guide article that includes information about Vitamin E's ability to reduce muscle damage. The body as war zone ABC News column by Nicholas Regush that offers an interesting take on the antioxidant/free radical problem, plus a great illustration. Getting a grip on vitamins October 2000 MDA Quest article by Phil Ivory. Antioxidants and free radicals 
Rice University sports department article with information about vitamins, exercise and oxidation damage.  To read more about
muscle breakdown and myoglobinuria, visit Rhabdomyolysis:
Taking it one day at a time. To read
about
the role of free radicals and antioxidants in mitochondrial
disorders, visit Goal tending
and Quick on the trigger. |
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The oxygen we breathe is life-giving, but it's also toxic;
it sets off a process that unleashes a big-time enemy known as
a "free radical." This is a molecule lacking an
electron on its outer orbit, making it extremely unstable. In
a desperate attempt to reclaim their electrons, free radicals
attack our cells to free up electrons, damaging the cells and
boosting the probability of disease. Think of the entire body,
including your DNA, undergoing this endless assault. Think of
your cells, including brain cells, each getting thousands of
free-radical hits every day. But wait! Here come the
reinforcements, our saviors: the antioxidants!
