Exercise-induced asthma, or bronchoconstriction, may be mediated by an increase in oxidative stress and increased free radical production. Strenuous exercise has been shown to increase the levels of free radicals circulating in the body, and perhaps this increase triggers hypersensitivity of the airway and increased inflammation in the tissues of the respiratory tract.
A study was recently conducted in Israel at the Wingate Institute and measured the effects of lycopene, a potent antioxidant, on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in adolescents. 19 participants were enrolled in the crossover study that complained of shortness of breath with exercise. Information was gathered over 3 different visits after supplementation with 30mg of lycopene per day was started.
The study found no effects of lycopene supplementation on the incidence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction as determined by patient response to physical activity. The study did not measure the levels of oxidative stress pre and post supplementation, to determine if increased free radical were a factor, and if the amount of lycopene supplemented was able to decrease the levels of free radicals in the blood.
Based on this study, one cannot completely negate the ability of antioxidant supplementation to reduce to the incidence or risk of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in young adults. More studies are needed in this area to reach a final conclusion.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 6, 2006 05:30 PM
