The Effects of Antioxidants as Supplements on Exercise Performance and Recovery

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 1320

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
2. Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Rome Open University, Rome, Italy
Interests: molecular biology; nutrition; sport nutrition; microbiota; food supplement
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Rome Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
2. IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Cassino Site, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Interests: lipid peroxidation; neurotoxic aldehydes; oxidative stress; antioxidants; redox systems; detoxification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of health and athletic performance, yet it inherently induces oxidative stress through increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This physiological response, while essential for adaptation, can also lead to muscle fatigue, inflammation, and delayed recovery. Antioxidant supplementation has emerged as a promising strategy to counteract these effects, aiming to restore redox balance and support recovery processes. This Special Issue will explore the multifaceted role of antioxidants—such as vitamins C and E, polyphenols, flavonoids, and endogenous compounds like glutathione—in modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways during and after exercise.

A key focus will be the influence of exercise variables—type, duration, frequency, and intensity—on ROS generation and antioxidant demand. Different exercise modalities (e.g., endurance vs. resistance training) produce distinct oxidative profiles, requiring tailored antioxidant strategies.

Particular attention will be given to molecular mechanisms involving Nrf2 activation and NF-κB suppression, as well as the impact of antioxidant timing, dosage, and source (synthetic vs. natural). Contributions will include original research and reviews addressing both the benefits and potential drawbacks of antioxidant use in sports nutrition.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of how antioxidants interact with exercise-induced oxidative stress, guiding effective integration into training and recovery protocols without compromising physiological resilience.

Dr. Sabrina Donati Zeppa
Dr. Rossella Rotondo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • exercise performance
  • exercise recovery
  • oxidative stress
  • antioxidants
  • sport nutrition
  • sport supplements
  • detoxification systems

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 1273 KB  
Article
Short-Term Consumption of Low-Molecular Weight Polyphenols (Oligonol) Is Associated with Improved Post-Exercise Recovery in Healthy Young Men: A Randomized Single-Blind Crossover Study
by Hyojin Kim, Jihyun Park, Su Min Hwang, Sumin Oh, Byounghyeon Kim, Jin-Hee Woo and Oh Yoen Kim
Antioxidants 2026, 15(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15020250 - 14 Feb 2026
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Abstract
Polyphenols have been suggested to aid exercise recovery through antioxidant properties, but their efficacy remains controversial, partly due to limited bioavailability. This study investigated whether low-molecular weight polyphenols (LMWPs, oligonol) influence metabolic responses related to fatigue and oxidative stress during and after a [...] Read more.
Polyphenols have been suggested to aid exercise recovery through antioxidant properties, but their efficacy remains controversial, partly due to limited bioavailability. This study investigated whether low-molecular weight polyphenols (LMWPs, oligonol) influence metabolic responses related to fatigue and oxidative stress during and after a maximal exercise test in healthy young men. A randomized, single-blind crossover design includes a placebo, a single dose of LMWP (S-LMWP), and 5-day LMWP (5-LMWP) intervention with ≥2-week washouts. Ten eligible participants completed all conditions. Exercise performance, fatigue-related metabolic parameters, and oxidative stress markers were measured before, immediately after, and 30 min after exercise. Heart rate and lactate were additionally assessed for 5 min post-exercise. Exercise performance and anthropometrics did not differ among conditions. However, both LMWP groups showed significantly lower blood lactate at 30 min recovery compared with the placebo group (placebo: 17.09 ± 1.29; S-LMWP: 8.36 ± 0.73; 5-LMWP: 9.18 ± 0.60; p = 0.005). Malondialdehyde (MDA), elevated immediately post-exercise, returned closer to baseline at 30 min in the LMWP groups, particularly S-LMWP. Percent MDA change was significantly lower in the S-LMWP group than in the placebo group (placebo: 26.80 ± 3.01; S-LMWP: −8.41 ± 4.86; p = 0.007). Short-term LMWP supplementation did not affect performance or immediate responses but was associated with a more favorable recovery profile, including lower lactate and faster normalization of oxidative stress markers. Larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article
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