New Antioxidant Study (May 14, 1998)A landmark new study at the University of Utah: The research says people who play and work hard in the mountains may benefit from taking a dietary supplement of antioxidants. Science Specialist Ed Yeates reports the supplement could reduce both fatigue and the risk of skin cancer.
Can the Park City Junior Nordic Ski team reduce fatigue and muscle soreness if they take antioxidants? That's what new University of Utah research indicates. Scientists gave the dietary supplement to 74 marine corps volunteers in moderate to high elevation training. And the results could apply to anyone who works or plays hard at altitude.
DR WAYNE ASKEY, DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH FOODS AND NUTRITION: "SO THESE ANTIOXIDANTS KEEP THE BLOOD CELLS FLEXIBLE SO THEY CAN SQUEEZE INTO THESE SMALL CAPILLARIES AND DELIVER BLOOD OUT TO THE EXTREMITIES - TO THE WORKING MUSCLE AT ALTITUDE AND THAT'S WHY IT'S IMPORTANT."
Dr Wayne Askew and his colleagues used a combination of vitamin A, C, E, selenium and zinc. The supplement reduced what is called oxidative stress on the body, allowing better performance and less fatigue at altitudes of 7 to 10-thousand feet. But even more, the antioxidants may also reduce the risk of cell damage from long exposure to unfiltered U-V A and B rays from the sun.
"WE THINK THAT WHEN PEOPLE TAKE THESE ANTIOXIDANTS - IT'S KIND OF AN EXTRA LINE OF PROTECTION AGAINST DEVELOPING THINGS LIKE SKIN CANCER."
University researchers used this unique machine to capture a compound in the breath called Pentane. Pentane shows how much oxidation stress the body is under. The system is so sophisticated it preserves one part per billion of pentane from each volunteer for analysis later in the lab.
If subsequent studies come up with the same results, researchers could develop a new kind of energy bar - containing both the antioxidants and a compound to bolster the immune system to fight off disease. Soldiers could eat the food while under high stress training--so could anyone working or playing hard at altitude.