2007 Volume 52 Issue 4 Pages 225-233
Background. Human serum albumin (HSA) is composed of human mercaptalbumin (HMA, reduced form) and nonmercaptalbumin (HNA, oxidized form). We used this“redox state of HSA”as a marker to elucidate the protective effects of oral antioxidant vitamins (C and E) supplementation on oxidative stress during a Kendo training camp. Methods. Eleven male Kendo athletes were divided into two groups (placebo group, n = 5; antioxidant group, n = 6). Blood samples were taken before and after the 4-day training camp. The subjects’redox state of HSA was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results. The value of the HMA fraction〔f (HMA)〕was significantly decreased after the training camp both in the placebo- and antioxidant vitamin-treated groups (P< 0.05), and no apparent difference was observed between the two groups. Conclusion. In this study, the protective effects of antioxidant vitamins against oxidative stress during a Kendo training camp were not demonstrated. Intake timing and intake volume of antioxidant vitamins were considered a factor.
