Prof Randolph M. Howes Md Phd

Sports, Athletes, Exercise Facts & Antioxidant Myths Prof Randolph M. Howes Md Phd

A recent study showed over 60% of athletes use common antioxidant vitamin supplements, of which 97.5% used vitamin C, 78.3% used vitamin E and 52.2% used multivitamins. This is even higher than the average population and is done because athletes, coaches, trainers, sports doctors and dieticians have been misled to believe that excessive antioxidants will give the athlete an edge over their competitors or make them perform better than those not taking antioxidant supplements. But, this outdated notion needs careful scientific evaluation. Dr. Howes' extensive previous work has reported on over 400 studies, including almost 16 million human participants, which showed the ineffectiveness of the antioxidants. And over 110 of these studies showed the harmful potential of the injudicious use of excessive antioxidants. Studies are now surfacing which show that antioxidants can have negative effects on performance and on recovery following bouts of exercise. Also, they are showing significant serious harmful effects on overall health. Once you know the scientific facts, then you can make up your mind as to the wisdom of taking injudicious amounts of antioxidants. The outdated notion of casually taking unnecessary and potentially dangerous antioxidant supplements needs to be scientifically analyzed and challenged. Dr. Howes does specifically that. In the past, the harmful effects of the antioxidants have been under-reported, denied, ignored or swept under the rug of ignorance. We must objectively look at the scientific data and make logical and safe decisions accordingly. So, read the facts and then decide on crucial performance and safety issues. Do not be misled by strong marketing forces. Be safe and healthy, not sorry.