Vitamins C and E May Combat Muscle Loss in Older Women

This study looked at whether adding antioxidant vitamins C and E to a resistance training program could help older women with sarcopenia – a condition marked by loss of muscle mass and strength. Sixty women between the ages of 60 and 75 were randomly assigned to receive either supplements containing vitamins C and E or a placebo. Both groups completed the same 12-week resistance training program, and researchers measured changes in muscle size, strength, physical ability, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

The results showed that while both groups improved their muscle mass, strength, and physical performance through resistance training, the women who also received vitamins C and E had greater gains in muscle size and strength. Specifically, they built more lean arm muscle, had a higher skeletal muscle mass index, and showed bigger improvements in hand grip and leg strength compared to the placebo group.

Blood tests revealed that the vitamin group also had healthier levels of oxidative stress markers, with higher antioxidant activity and lower levels of cell-damaging byproducts. In addition, while both groups showed reduced inflammation, the vitamin group experienced a stronger decrease in interleukin-6, a key inflammatory marker. The researchers concluded that combining resistance training with vitamins C and E provides extra benefits for muscle growth and strength, likely because the antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

To check out Dr. Rath’s Cellular Health recommendations for women, see this page on our website.