Home > Science Seminar > Fall 2005 Seminar Schedule > Antioxidant Boosting
The Science Seminar Series: Novemeber 17, 2005
Antioxidant Boosting and Aerobic Exercise Performance
Dr. Max Shute,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Hosting Dept: Biology
Room 3009 Biology/Chemistry BuildingTime: 4:00 -5:00pm
Author
Max Shute Ph.D.
Janet Walberg Rankin Ph.D., Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise
Korinn Saker Ph.D., Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061)Sean Heffron M.S., now affiliated with Duke University School of Medicine
For Correspondence and Reprint Requests:
Max Shute Ph.D.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise
3915 Fultondale Cr.
Valdosta, GA 31605
Phone: (229)257-01695380
mshute@trainright.com
Abstract
The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the onset of aerobic fatigue in humans. Therefore, by boosting our antioxidant defenses, we could, theoretically, delay fatigue and increase aerobic exercise performance. Many antioxidants have been tested in both animal and human models, predominantly finding benefit in animals but not in humans. The most widely examined have been vitamin E and vitamin C or combinations there of. Glutathione (GSH) is a major intracellular antioxidant tripeptide (glutamine, cysteine, glycine) which is concentrated in oxidative and detoxifying tissues. Its main role is as an electron donor in the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. By doing so it decreases the generation of other more powerful ROS and has the potential to have an aerobic ergogenic effect. GSH also plays a major role in regenerating oxidized vitamin E and vitamin C back to their biologically active forms after their oxidation. The GSH boosting drug N-acetylcysteine has shown promise in boosting GSH in trained humans and delaying fatigue. However, its non-oral administration and subsequent side effects preclude its ability to be an effective and practical ergogenic aid. Whey protein is rich in glutamylcysteine, a main precursor to GSH synthesis. However, the typical pasteurization process will denature the cysteine negating any potential GSH boosting effect. Specially pasteurized commercially available whey protein supplements, which do not denature the glutamyl cysteine groups, have been shown to boost GSH in GSH deficient diseased populations. So far GSH boosting in aerobic athletes, a population with already high levels of GSH, has proven difficult with these products. More research is needed to verify their usefulness for the competing or recreational aerobic athlete.
This project was supported in part by AmmunoMed Llc., Dayton, OH and the Virginia Tech Graduate Student Association.