| Summary: | Exercise appears to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can result in damage to cells. Potential sources of ROS in skeletal muscle fibers during exercise include the mitochondrial respiratory chain, xantine oxidase production of superoxide, enzymatic arachidonic acid oxygenation, nitric oxide synthesis, catecholamine oxidation, and neutrophil-induced oxidative burts. Stress proteins (SPs) represent one of the general molecular protective mechanisms that enable cell and whole organisms to survive stress. The exact relationship between exercise, ROS and SPs remains unclear. Antioxidant supplements have been touted by manufacturers as a means for athletes to perform better, recover more quickly and fully from endurance exercise, or allow them to train more strenuously. At present, data are insufficient to recommend antioxidant supplements for athletes or other persons who exercise regularly. However, no one questions the importance of ingesting a diet rich in antioxidants for all who exercise and train regularly.
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