Vitamin C and E supplementation and high intensity interval training induced changes in lipid profile and haematological variables of young males

High intensity interval training (HIIT) causes oxidative stress and haematological alteration. Present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks’ supplementation of vitamin C and E on HIIT induced changes in lipid profile parameters and haematological variables. Hundred six male adolescent players were randomly assigned into five age-matched groups, i.e., Control (no exercise+placebo), HIIT (placebo), HIIT ​+ ​vitamin-C (1 000 ​mg/day), HIIT ​+ ​vitamin-E 400 IU/day) and combined HIIT ​+ ​vitamin C and E. Morning and evening sessions (90 ​min) of HIIT included 4 phases (15 ​min each) with 3 sets (4 ​min each). Each 4 ​min HIIT set consisted of 2 ​min intense sprint workout (90%–95% of heart rate maximum [HR(max)]) followed by 1 ​min active recovery (60%–70% HR(max)) followed by 1 ​min of complete rest (1:1 work-rest ratio). Lipid profile parameters, haematological variables, endurance capacity and vertical jump were evaluated by standard protocols. Significant decrease in body weight, fat%, total cholesterol, triglyceride, Total Cholesterol/High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol and significant increase in High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol, maximal oxygen consumption, vertical jump were observed for all four intervention groups. White blood cell count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin percentage and haematocrit values were significantly decreased while platelet count and platelet-to-leukocyte ratio (PLR) ratio were increased significantly only for HIIT group. Blood level of tocopherol and ascorbic acid was significantly increased (values were within the normal range) in all the respective vitamin supplemented groups. Supplementation of vitamin C and E secures health protection with suppressed haemolysis and improved inflammatory blood variables with enhanced explosive leg strength and lipid profile parameters without any concomitant change in endurance capacity.