How might supplemental vitamin E adversely affect physically active people?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Does vitamin E supplementation protect against exercise-induced oxidative stress? Some studies find that it does; others show no effect, and still others report enhanced oxidative stress. Recent research may offer some insight into these inconsistencies. Although free radicals are usually damaging, during repeated episodes of endurance activities, they may actually be beneficial. Free radicals activate powerful antioxidant enzymes, which may enhance the athlete's tolerance to oxidative stresses. Researchers speculate that antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E interfere with this protective adaptation. This may explain why, in some studies, athletes taking vitamin E show signs of increased oxidative stress. Clearly, more research is needed on supplements, but in the meantime, active people can benefit by using vitamin E–rich vegetable oils and eating generous servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables regularly. Beta-carotene and vitamin C in fruits and vegetables, as well as many of the phytochemicals in these foods, are also potent antioxidants.