Effect of SunGold Kiwifruit and Vitamin C Consumption on Ameliorating Exercise‐Induced Stress Response in Women

Scope Markers of oxidative and psychological stress are elevated during high intensity exercise. Additionally, when energy intake does not match expenditure, women who actively participate in sports and exercise are at risk of developing menstrual dysfunction, infertility and osteoporosis. Vitamin C is known to reduce exercise-induced stress. Here we investigate the efficacy of consuming vitamin C from SunGoldTM kiwifruit compared to in isolation, in ameliorating exercise-induced stress in recreationally active women. Method/results 10 eumenorrheic women were recruited in this crossover study and attended 3 exercise and 1 rest trial. In the exercise trials, participants consumed: 300 mg vitamin C from kiwifruit or drink, or had a placebo drink, followed by 30-min exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60% power. During rest visit, participants sat quietly and consumed a placebo drink. Salivary uric acid (oxidative stress) and cortisol (psychological stress) was measured before and immediately after exercise for 2 hours. Both vitamin C and kiwifruit reduced exercise-induced uric acid, immediately after exercise. Vitamin C drink continued to decrease uric acid for a further 30 minutes and slightly attenuated exercise-induced cortisol. Conclusion Consuming liquid vitamin C prior to high intensity cycling appears more effective than eating kiwifruit, in ameliorating exercise-induced stress in recreationally active women of reproductive age. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.