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Background and context
Markers of oxidative and psychological stress are elevated during high-intensity exercise. When energy intake does not match expenditure, women who actively participate in sports and exercise are at risk of developing menstrual dysfunction, infertility, and osteoporosis.
Vitamin C is known to reduce exercise-induced stress. This study investigates the efficacy of consuming vitamin C from SunGold kiwifruit (compared to in isolation) in ameliorating exercise-induced stress in recreationally active women.
Results
Both vitamin C and kiwifruit reduced exercise-induced uric acid, immediately after exercise, however the vitamin C drink continued to decrease uric acid for a further 30 minutes and slightly attenuated exercise-induced cortisol.
Conclusions
Consuming liquid vitamin C prior to high-intensity cycling appears to be more effective than eating kiwifruit, in ameliorating exercise-induced stress in recreationally active women of reproductive age.