antioxidants for old and athletes Flashcards
What are antioxidants?
Molecules that neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, inhibiting oxidation and defending against cellular and DNA damage
Common antioxidants include Vitamin A, C, E, manganese, iodide, and beta-carotene. The body produces antioxidants in response to stressors like air pollution and exercise.
What are Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)?
By-products of respiration produced by mitochondria that can be harmful if accumulated without sufficient antioxidant defense
ROS are necessary for training adaptation and their production increases with exercise and aging.
What role do ROS play in athletes?
Healthy athletes experience short-term inflammation after exercise, leading to muscle repair, regeneration, and improved performance
Moderate levels of ROS can lead to greater physical adaptations during training periods, according to the hormesis theory.
What are the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation for athletes?
- Acute doses can aid recovery and reduce fatigue during muscle contraction
- Can lead to reduced muscle damage and oxidative stress markers after strength exercise
- Short-term supplements can enhance recovery and reduce muscle damage
What are the potential drawbacks of antioxidant supplementation for athletes?
- Chronic or high-dose supplementation may interfere with ROS exposure and block anabolic signaling pathways
- Can obstruct mitochondrial induction and negatively affect muscle and angiogenesis adaptation
- May blunt beneficial exercise-induced adaptations
What is the recommended daily dosage of Vitamin E and C for athletes?
- 15mg for Vitamin E (for both males and females)
- 75mg for Vitamin C for females and 90mg for males
A nutritious diet is suggested as the primary source of antioxidants.
What should athletes consider regarding the timing of antioxidant intake?
To avoid blunting the necessary inflammatory response during training
The optimal window for antioxidant supplementation in relation to training is still under research.
What is the level of certainty regarding antioxidant supplementation for athletes?
The conclusions have lacked consistent findings throughout studies.
What role do ROS play in older adults?
Aging imposes oxidative stress, leading to increased ROS production and long-term chronic inflammation
This can cause muscle stem cells to become senescent, leading to impaired muscle regeneration.
What are the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation for older adults?
- May improve muscle function and strength in sarcopenia
- Can lead to improved cognitive function
- Reduces DNA damage in older women, especially with moderate-intensity resistance training
- Synergistic effects can decrease oxidative stress and improve cognitive function
What are the potential drawbacks of antioxidant supplementation for older adults?
- May negatively impact exercise training benefits for mildly hypertensive individuals
- Chronic and high doses should be avoided
- Limitations and benefits are contradictory due to the complex relationship between ROS, aging, and lifespan
What is the dosage advice for older adults regarding antioxidants?
Combining moderate-intensity resistance training with antioxidant use to manage oxidative stress
General daily recommendations are 15mg for Vitamin E and 70mg for Vitamin C for females.
What is the level of certainty regarding antioxidant supplementation for older adults?
The benefits have shown lack of consistent findings.
What are mitochondria-targeted antioxidants?
Antioxidants designed to accumulate and act within the mitochondria.
What have preclinical studies suggested about mitochondria-targeted antioxidants?
Potential benefits for disease-related outcomes like cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and impaired glucose metabolism.
What has research shown about mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants in humans?
Low evidence with inconsistent and non-conclusive results.
What is a concern regarding mitochondria-targeted antioxidants?
They may decrease mitochondrial biogenesis.
What research gaps exist regarding ROS and aging?
Lack of consistent understanding of ROS-equilibrium in exercised and unexercised populations.
What should future research focus on regarding antioxidants?
- Optimizing antioxidant dosage, timing, and targeting
- Understanding benefits and limitations for athletes and older adults
What is necessary for studies on antioxidant supplementation?
Controlled groups to compare adaptations with training programs alone.
