Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C application on secretion of cytokine in individuals who do taekwondo sport. Materials and Methods: This research was carried out on 10 elite taekwondo athletes who were studying in Selçuk University, School of Physical Education and Sports. Their mean age; 20.67±0.24 years and mean body weight was; 65.45±1.69 kg. Every day 300 mg vitamin C was given to the participants orally during 4 weeks and exhaustive exercise was done until fatigue occurs before and after vitamin E treatment. Before and following the 4 week implementation period, blood samples were taken 4 times from the participants as at rest and fatigue. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin -2 (IL-2) and interleukin -6 (IL6) levels were determined by ELISA test kits on taken blood samples. Results: There were no significant differences on the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α both before and after implementation. There was significant increase on the levels of serum IL-6 at exercise period in comparison with resting period (P<0.05). This increase in on the levels of serum IL-6 at exercise period prior to implementation was prevented by vitamin C application. Conclusion: Results indicated that; vitamin C application did not lead to significant changes on the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 on individuals who practice taekwondo sport. However, it inhibits the increase in levels of IL-6 at exercise that leads to suppression of cellular immune function.

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