Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Antioxidants for Sports & FitnessFind Products
How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes?
Most research has demonstrated that strenuous exercise increases production of harmful substances called free radicals, which can damage muscle tissue and result in inflammation and muscle soreness. Exercising in cities or smoggy areas also increases exposure to free radicals. Antioxidants, including vitamin C and vitamin E, neutralize free radicals before they can damage the body, so antioxidants may aid in exercise recovery. Regular exercise increases the efficiency of the antioxidant defense system, potentially reducing the amount of supplemental antioxidants that might otherwise be needed for protection. However, at least theoretically, supplements of antioxidant vitamins may be beneficial for older or untrained people or athletes who are undertaking an especially vigorous training protocol or athletic event.1, 2
Placebo-controlled research, some of it double-blind, has shown that taking 400 to 3,000 mg of vitamin C per day for several days before and after intense exercise may reduce pain and speed up muscle strength recovery.3, 4, 5 However, taking vitamin C only after such exercise was not effective in another double-blind study.6 While some research has reported that vitamin E supplementation in the amount of 800 to 1,200 IU per day reduces biochemical measures of free-radical activity and muscle damage caused by strenuous exercise,7, 8, 9 several studies have not found such benefits,10, 11, 12, 13 and no research has investigated the effect of vitamin E on performance-related measures of strenuous exercise recovery. A combination of 90 mg per day of coenzyme Q10 and a very small amount of vitamin E did not produce any protective effects for marathon runners in one double-blind trial,14 while in another double-blind trial a combination of 50 mg per day of zinc and 3 mg per day of copper significantly reduced evidence of post-exercise free radical activity.15
In most well-controlled studies, exercise performance has not been shown to improve following supplementation with vitamin C, unless a deficiency exists, as might occur in athletes with unhealthy or irrational eating patterns.16, 17 Similarly, vitamin E has not benefited exercise performance,18, 19 except possibly at high altitudes.20, 21
Side Effects
Antioxidants include many different nutrients, each of which has potential side effects. Look up the unique side effects for each and discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor or pharmacist before adding antioxidants, such as:
- Minerals: manganese, zinc, and copper, selenium
- Vitamins: vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10
- Amino acid: cysteine
- Herbs: bilberry, turmeric (curcumin), grape seed or pine bark extracts, ginkgo can also provide powerful antioxidant protection for the body
- Antioxidant-rich "superfoods": mangosteen, kombucha, acai, pomegranate, goji berry, and chia seed
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Antioxidants include many different nutrients, each of which has the potential to interact with drugs. Look up the unique interactions for each and discuss the potential benefits and risks of your current medications with your doctor or pharmacist before adding antioxidants, such as:
- Minerals: manganese, zinc, and copper, selenium
- Vitamins: vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10
- Amino acid: cysteine
- Herbs: bilberry, turmeric (curcumin), grape seed or pine bark extracts, ginkgo can also provide powerful antioxidant protection for the body
- Antioxidant-rich "superfoods": mangosteen, kombucha, acai, pomegranate, goji berry, and chia seed
Interactions with Medicines
Certain medicines interact with this supplement.
Replenish Depleted Nutrients | none |
Reduce Side Effects | none |
Support Medicine | |
Reduces Effectiveness | none |
Potential Negative Interaction | |
Explanation Required |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.