Vitamin c and performance: a review

  • Luciana de Quadros Nutricionista pela Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS). Pós graduanda em Nutrição Clí­nica e Esportiva pelo Instituto de Pesquisas, Ensino e Gestão em Saúde (IPGS)
  • Rafael Longhi Sampaio de Barros Nutricionista pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). Doutorando em Bioquí­mica pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Mestre em Ciências Médicas pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Especialista em Fisiologia do Exercí­cio pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
Keywords: Vitamin C, Ascorbic acid, Performance

Abstract

Aim: To present a review of the evidences that supports the consumption of vitamin C for sportsmen and athletes aiming improvement in performance. Data synthesis: Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient with several and important biological functions. In addition to being considered a potent antioxidant that eliminates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Among other functions, vitamin C reduces the symptoms of colds and flu, accelerating the recovery process and has an anti-catabolic effect. This effect has fundamental importance for the physically active. Considering that vitamin C participates as a cofactor in carnitine biosynthesis, steroid hormones and neurotransmitters, it has been established the idea that the need for this nutrient would increase for people engaged in strenuous exercise or frequent stress. Because of this, this paper aims to investigate the role of this micro-nutrient in performance. Data sources: A literature review on the topic was held, having been consultedarticles selected from references of books, Scielo, Nutrire, Pubmed, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Brazilian Society of Sports Medicine. Conclusion: The importance of vitamin C in the diet is indisputable, but more research is needed to clarify whether supplementation of this micro-nutrient actually leads to performance optimization.

Author Biography

Luciana de Quadros, Nutricionista pela Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS). Pós graduanda em Nutrição Clí­nica e Esportiva pelo Instituto de Pesquisas, Ensino e Gestão em Saúde (IPGS)

Nutricionista pela Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS). Pós graduanda em Nutrição Clí­nica e Esportiva pelo Instituto de Pesquisas, Ensino e Gestão em Saúde (IPGS).

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Published
2016-03-04
How to Cite
Quadros, L. de, & Barros, R. L. S. de. (2016). Vitamin c and performance: a review. RBNE - Brazilian Journal of Sports Nutrition, 10(55), 112-119. Retrieved from https://www.rbne.com.br/index.php/rbne/article/view/557
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 55 (2016)
Section
Scientific Articles - Review

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