The effects of vitamin E and training on physiological function and athletic performance in adolescent swimmers

Abstract

1. Two experimental groups, each of thirteen boarding schoolboys, were given either 400 mg α-tocopheryl acetate or placeboes daily in addition to their normal diet during training in swimming and various athletic activities over a period of 6 weeks. Evaluation of the experimental treatments was made from tests of anthropometric status, cardiorespiratory efficiency and motor fitness and performance, which were administered at the beginning and end of the experimental period. 2. Whereas training significantly improved physiological function and performance in both groups ( P < 0·05), vitamin E did not.