Positive Health Online

Abstract

PETERS-FUTRE, Division of Physical Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa writes that moderate submaximal exercise results in neutrophilia, enhanced phagocytic and oxidative capacity of neutrophils. However, it has been hypothesised that this pro-oxidative effect becomes suppressive during intensive exercise and periods of intensive training. Vitamin C is widely recognised for its antioxidant property in extracellular fluid and has been documented to neutralise various oxygen free radicals and to attenuate the suppression of phagocyte function. However, the clinical demonstration of reduced neutrophil function following the participation in marathon races has not been observed. Although neutrophils comprise 50-60% of leukocytes and although they are the first line of defense against bacterial infection, post-marathon race episodes of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) are not associated with a decline in the function of this immune function parameter. The therapeutic efficacy of vitamin C supplements to reduce incidence of postrace URTI symptoms cannot therefore be fully explained at the present.

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References

Peters-Futre EM. Vitamin C, neutrophil function, and upper respiratory tract infection risk in distance runners: the missing link. Exerc Immunol Rev 3: 32-52. 1997.