The effect of short-term vitamin D on the antioxidant capacity following exhaustive aerobic exercise

BACKGROUND: Exhaustive Aerobic Exercise (EAE) increases the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. One of the most effective approaches to reduce EAE-induced oxidative stress is antioxidant supplementation. OBJECTIVES: Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of short-term Vitamin D (Vit D) supplementation on antioxidant capacity in inactive men following an EAE session. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 24 non-athlete men were randomly divided into Experimental (Exp; n = 12) and Control (C; n = 12) groups. Exp received 2,000 IU of Vit D daily for six weeks (42 days), while C received a lactose placebo daily with the same color, shape, and warmth percentage. EAE sessions were performed on a treadmill before and after six weeks of supplementation. RESULTS: The results showed that EAE increased antioxidant capacity and Vit D (P<0.05). Compared with C, six weeks of Vit D supplementation significantly increased superoxide dismutase (P=0.001), glutathione peroxidase (P=0.011), catalase (P=0.018), peroxidase (P=0.001), and Vit D (P=0.001), in the Exp at the Post 2 stage. CONCLUSION: Finally, short-term Vit D supplementation could be recommended to non-athlete men deciding to participate in EAE to prevent oxidative damage.