1.
Effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on oxidative stress markers in healthy women following a single bout of exercise.
Yimcharoen, M, Kittikunnathum, S, Suknikorn, C, Nak-On, W, Yeethong, P, Anthony, TG, Bunpo, P
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2019;16(1):2
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Moderately intense exercise often causes muscle damage, which initiates an acute inflammatory response. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is suggested to provide antioxidant protection against oxidative stress. The efficacy of ascorbic acid supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress remains unclear. The aim of this crossover study was to determine the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress and muscle damage in 19 healthy women after a single bout of moderately-intense exercise. Participants performed 30 minutes of cycling after ingesting 1000 mg of ascorbic acid or placebo with a one-week washout period. Blood samples were taken before exercise, immediately after and 30 minutes post-exercise to determine various markers of oxidative stress and muscle damage. This study found ascorbic acid supplementation prior to moderately-intense exercise improves antioxidant capacity but does not prevent muscle damage. The exercise performed in this study did not induce systemic inflammation, only low-grade muscle damage. Based on these results, the authors suggest further investigation of the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation during exercise be done to better understand the molecular interactions of ascorbic acid during exercise.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble chain breaking antioxidant. It scavenges free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced during metabolic pathways. Exercise can produce an imbalance between ROS and antioxidants, leading to oxidative stress-related tissue damages. This study was designed to determine the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress and muscle damage following a single bout of exercise. METHODS In a crossover design with a 1 wk. wash-out period, 19 healthy women performed 30 min moderate-intensity cycling after ingesting 1000 mg of ascorbic acid (AA) or placebo. Blood samples were taken immediately before, immediately after and 30 min post-exercise to determine plasma albumin, total protein, glucose, oxidative stress and muscle damage markers. RESULTS Plasma albumin and total protein levels increased immediately after exercise in placebo alongside slight reductions in glucose (p = 0.001). These effects were absent in AA cohort. Ferric reducing ability of plasma and vitamin C levels in AA cohort significantly increased after exercise (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly elevated after exercise (p = 0.002) in placebo but not AA. Plasma malondialdehyde did not change after exercise in placebo but was significantly decreased in AA (p < 0.05). The exercise protocol promoted slight muscle damage, reflected in significant increases in total creatine kinase in all subjects after exercise. On the other hand, plasma C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase remained unchanged. CONCLUSION Supplementation with ascorbic acid prior exercise improves antioxidant power but does not prevent muscle damage.
2.
Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Patients with Depression.
Kaner, G, Soylu, M, Yüksel, N, Inanç, N, Ongan, D, Başmısırlı, E
BioMed research international. 2015;2015:521481
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
The aim of this study was to identify the nutritional status, body composition and biochemical parameters of individuals who had been diagnosed with major depression. Fifty-nine people in Turkey, aged between 18 and 60 years old were randomly assigned to 2 groups – a depression group (29 people on antidepressant medication) and a control group (30 normal, healthy people). A number of measurements were taken: anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers (eg fasting blood glucose, insulin, folate, B12), demographic data, a 24-hour diet recall and activity/exercise levels. Those with serious mental illness such as psychotic disorders, bipolar and schizophrenia were excluded, as were those recently prescribed with thyroid medication, weight loss treatment or diabetes. The anti-depressant medication used by the individuals in the depression group was not identified. The depression group was 65% female and the control group was 60% female. The results showed that the depression group had a lower intake of the nutrients vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, folate, vitamin C, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc, as well as fibre. In addition, median values of body weight, waist and hip circumferences, and waist to hip ratios were significantly higher in this group. The depression group also had lower fasting blood glucose levels, vitamin B12 and folic acid than the control group. Serum insulin and insulin resistance levels were similar in both groups. The rate of night eating was higher, and the consumption of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish was lower in those with depression, although the authors noted that the PUFA intake in both groups was very similar. Levels of light physical exercise were higher in the depression group. The authors concluded that individuals with depression tended to eat a poorer quality diet. Vitamin B consumption, serum B12 and folic acid levels were low in those patients with depression, and they also showed more signs of abdominal obesity. It was also noted that vitamins A and C, and magnesium levels were lower in depression. It was acknowledged that the self-reported diets are likely to contain inaccuracies.
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Our goal was to determine nutritional status, body composition, and biochemical parameters of patients diagnosed with depression based on DSM-IV-TR criteria. METHODS A total of 59 individuals, aged 18-60 years admitted to Mental Health Centre of Kayseri Education and Research Hospital, were included in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups; depression group (n = 29) and control group (n = 30). Anthropometric measurements, some biochemical parameters, demographic data, and 24-hour dietary recall were evaluated. RESULTS 65.5% of depression and 60.0% of control group were female. Intake of vitamins A, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, folate, C, Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, and fibre (p < 0.05) were lower in depression group. Median levels of body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in depression group. Fasting blood glucose levels, serum vitamins B12, and folic acid (p < 0.05) in depression group were lower than controls. Serum insulin and HOMA levels of two groups were similar. CONCLUSION Some vitamin B consumption and serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were low while signs of abdominal obesity were high among patients with depression. Future research exploring nutritional status of individuals with depression is warranted.
3.
Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
de Oliveira, IJ, de Souza, VV, Motta, V, Da-Silva, SL
Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS. 2015;18(1):11-8
-
-
Plain language summary
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a well known anti-oxidant that has been studied in relation to anxious behaviour triggered by stressful situations. This study set out to examine the effects of vitamin C (50mg per day) or placebo on 42 high school students in a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. Levels of anxiety were measured before and after a 14 day supplementation of vitamin C or placebo using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Plasma levels of vitamin C, heart rate and blood pressure were also measured. The results showed vitamin C supplementation reduced anxiety levels and increased plasma vitamin C levels. There was also a significant decrease in heart rate. There was no significant difference in blood pressure. The study concluded that vitamin C has a therapeutic affect on reducing anxiety levels. It was recommend high schools implement nutritional programs high in antioxidants such as vitamin C to reduce anxiety and improve academic performance.
Abstract
Vitamin C ascorbic acid) is a well-known antioxidant that is involved in anxiety, stress, depression, fatigue and mood state in humans. Studies have suggested that oxidative stress may trigger neuropsychological disorders. Antioxidants may play an important therapeutic role in combating the damage caused by oxidative stress in individuals that suffer from anxiety. In this context, it was hypothesized that oral vitamin C supplementation would reduce anxiety. However, few up to date studies have evaluated the consequences of oral vitamin C supplementation on anxiety in humans. The present study examined the effects of oral vitamin C supplements in 42 high school students, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The students were given either vitamin C (500 mg day(-1)) or placebo. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and blood pressure were measured before the intervention and then one day after the intervention. Anxiety levels were evaluated for each student before and after 14 days following supplementation with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results showed that vitamin C reduced anxiety levels and led to higher plasma vitamin C concentration compared to the placebo. The mean heart rates were also significantly different between vitamin C group and placebo control group. Present study results not only provide evidence that vitamin C plays an important therapeutic role for anxiety but also point a possible use for antioxidants in the prevention or reduction of anxiety. This suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C may be an effective adjunct to medical and psychological treatment of anxiety and improve academic performance.