The effects of endurance exercise and vitamin E on oxidative stress in the elderly

Biol Res Nurs. 2003 Jul;5(1):47-55. doi: 10.1177/1099800403005001005.

Abstract

To examine the effects of exercise and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress in older adults, 59 participants, age 76.3 +/- 4.2 years, were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: an exercise group taking placebos (EGP) or vitamin E (EGE) or a sedentary group taking placebos (SGP) or vitamin E (SGE). Measures included weight, VO2max, blood pressure (BP), and serum concentrations of vitamin E and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH). At the end of the 16-week trial, the EGP and EGE had significant increases in VO2max and significant decreases in resting BP, weight, and LOOH concentrations (P < 0.05). The SGE had significant decreases in LOOH and BP (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the SGP (P > 0.05). The results suggest that endurance exercise in combination with vitamin E reduces oxidative stress, improves aerobic fitness, and reduces BP and weight in older adults. Even sedentary participants who take vitamin E may reduce oxidative stress and lower BP.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged / physiology*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Body Weight / physiology
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Exercise Test
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Lipid Peroxides / blood
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Oxygen Consumption / drug effects
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Physical Endurance / drug effects*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin E / blood
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology
  • Vitamin E / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Lipid Peroxides
  • Vitamin E