Antioxidants and Athletes

Antioxidants are beneficial because they inhibit oxidation and reduce the production of free radicals in the body. Oxidation occurs when oxygen is metabolized and creates free radicals. Free radicals are unstable and steal electrons from other molecules resulting in altered lipids, proteins, and DNA. This alteration is responsible for triggering chronic diseases such as some cancers, inflammatory joint disease, asthma, and diabetes. There are two types of antioxidants: exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous antioxidants are obtained through diet, while endogenous antioxidants are produced by the body. Production of endogenous antioxidants usually increases following physical activity to protect the body from oxidative damage.1 These antioxidants are glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q, uric acid, and L-carnitine. Athletes hold higher concentrations of endogenous antioxidants in their muscles.1

Exogenous antioxidants are found in sources such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Exogenous antioxidants are known as vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, polyphenols, zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium. EO3 is a nutrition supplement that provides a high concentration of antioxidants in each bottle. The vitamin E concentration alone is 3 mg, this is 20% of the recommended daily allowance for a 2000 calories diet. Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble nutrient, which means it gets dissolved in fats and oils. The concern with athletes and vitamin E is their low-fat consumption impairing vitamin E intake and absorption. EO3 does a great job providing vitamin E with a lipid (omega 3), making it a great choice for a post-workout snack. EO3 is a beneficial supplement to include in your diet as studies suggest that athletes should increase antioxidant consumption for performance. Consumption of vitamin E has been suggested to improve athletic performance in high-intensity sports and reduce recovery time.

EO3 can be enjoyed chilled or added to your smoothie! It provides omega 3, 20g of protein, vitamin D, vitamin E, and other antioxidants!

References:

1. Higgins, Madalyn Riley et al. “Antioxidants and Exercise Performance: With a Focus on Vitamin E and C Supplementation.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,22 8452. 15 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17228452

2. Florence, T M. “The role of free radicals in disease.” Australian and New Zealand journal of ophthalmology vol. 23,1 (1995): 3-7. doi:10.1111/j.1442-9071.1995.tb01638.x