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Vitamin C eases exercise pain

The pain that results from starting a new exercise program is often enough to make people give it up. According to recent research, vitamin C may help make the transition to regular exercise more less painful.

Researchers at the University of Taths in the UK conducted a study into the possible benefits of vitamin C on recovery from unaccustomed exercise. Sixteen male participants were given either a placebo or 200 mg of vitamin C twice each day for two weeks. After the trial period, the participants were asked to perform a demanding 90-minute exercise test. The researchers found that those participants taking vitamin C had modest reduction in muscle soreness and improved muscle function over the placebo group.

In another study into exercise pain, researchers found that vitamin C can help with intermittent claudicationβ€”pain in the calf, thigh or buttock during exercise which is only relieved with rest. Intermittent claudication is caused by loss of oxygen to the muscles as a result of narrowed or blocked arteries.

At the University of Naples, Italy, researchers conducted a test to see if vitamin C could reduce the occurrence of intermittent claudication. Participants were asked to do exercise tests, with half of them taking vitamin C and the other half taking a placebo saline supplement. They found that those participants taking vitamin C had improved test results. The researchers concluded their findings provide a basis for further trials into vitamin C and other antioxidants for those with intermittent claudication.

Sources: Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2001 Dec;11(4):466-81; Atherosclerosis 2002 Dec;165(2):277-83; www.walkfarther.com