The Effect of Vitamin Supplementation on Oxidative Stress During Strenuous Cold Weather Training at Moderate Altitude.
Abstract
This study quantified the effect of alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and Beta-carotene, singly and in combination, on oxidative stress (OS) during training at moderate altitude. OS was quantified by indirect measures of lipid peroxidation and DNA alteration. The efficacy of the vitamins was assessed as reduced urinary, blood, and breath indices of lipid peroxidation. Seventy-five Marines were assigned to 1 of 5 groups for a double-blind, 14-day study. The groups took, daily: (1) 500 mg ascorbic acid; (2) 400 lU alpha-tocopherol; (3) 20,000 U Beta-carotene; (4) 500 mg ascorbic acid, 400 U alpha- tocopherol, 20,000 U Beta-carotene, 100 microng selenium, and 30 mg zinc; or (5)1,000 mg oyster shell calcium (placebo). OS indicators included plasma lipid peroxides and oxygen radical absorption capacity, urine malondialdehyde and 8- hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine, and breath pentane. Samples were collected at sea level, Day 0 at 6,700 ft, Days 6 and 12 at 9,200 ft, and Day 14 at 6,700 ft. All measures generally reflected increased OS. All groups showed increased OS, indicated by breath pentane; however, the mixture resulted in a significantly smaller increase. Individual antioxidants were relatively ineffective in reducing the indicators of OS. Other measures indicated OS was increased but did not differentiate as did breath pentane.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 24, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370186
Entities
People
- Donald E. Roberts
- Eldon W. Askew
- James E. Reading
- Steven M. Wood
- Wei-hsun Chao
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center