A recent study in Denmark examined the the effects of combined vitamin C and E supplementation to healthy individuals on different measures of exercise performance after endurance training. The study used a double-blinded placebo-controlled design. Participants were 21 moderately trained young men. 11 of them received oral supplementation with vitamins C and E while the other 10 received a placebo before and during a 12 week supervised bicycle exercise training. The training was strenuous and occurred with a frequency of 5 days per week.
After one month, vitamin C and E concentration was evaluated in both groups. An increase in concentration was found in both groups in both vitamins. There was no difference in the plasma vitamin levels over time. Maximal oxygen consumption, workload at lactate threshold, and maximal power output increased in both groups in response to training. There were no differences between the two groups concerning any of the variables. Muscle glycogen concentration, metabolic enzymic activity, and protein content also increased in both groups with no differences between the two groups concerning any of the variables.
Supplementing antioxidants such as vitamins C and E seemed to have no effect, positive or negative, on endurance training in healthy individuals. This study did not include older individuals, sedentary individuals, or individuals with a deficiency in vitamins. Applying this information to triathletes, as long as you are eating healthy there is no need to supplement your diet with antioxidants. Eating colorful foods will ensure you are getting your recommended daily allowance in necessary vitamins.
Reference
Yfanti, C., T. Akerstrom, S. Nielsen, A. R. Nielsen, R. Mounier, O. H. Mortensen, J. Lykkesfeldt, A. J. Rose, C. P. Fischer, and B. K. Pedersen. "Antioxidant Supplementation Does Not Alter Endurance Training Adaptation." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Vol. 42, No. 7, pp. 1388-1395, 2010.
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