Should Endurance Athletes Take Antioxidants? Dr. Carlene Starck Explains the Science

Send us Fan MailIn episode #191 we delve into the science behind antioxidants, supplementation, and their impact on training adaptation with Dr. Carlene Starck. If you're an athlete, coach, or health enthusiast, understanding how to support your body's natural processes can make all the difference in performance and recovery.KEY TOPICSThe role of high-dose vitamin C and E in exercise and whether they blunt or support training adaptationsThe mechanisms of antioxidants, including direct antioxidants versus polyphenols, and their effects on oxidative stressHow NRF2 signaling influences antioxidant pathways and its relevance for supplementation strategiesPractical insights on timing, dosage, and food sources of key nutrients like vitamin C, glutathione, and amino acidsThe potential of compounds like sulforophane from broccoli to enhance performance and recoveryThe importance of individualized approaches to supplementation and training load managementEmerging research and ongoing projects in protein and amino acid metabolismPlease note that this podcast is created strictly for educational purposes and should never be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.ABOUT DR. CARLENE STARCK:Dr Carlene Starck is a protein biochemist and nutrition scientist with a PhD from Massey University and over 30 peer-reviewed publications. Her research spans protein and amino acid metabolism, dietary protein quality, and nutrient requirements across the lifespan, including landmark work on how we model and measure the body’s true metabolic demand for essential amino acids. Carlene is the founder of Starck Science, a consultancy connecting mission-led food and nutrition companies with rigorous scientific expertise. She works at the intersection of research and real-world application, translating complex protein science into practical outcomes and tools for athletes, active individuals, health care professionals, and health-focused organisations. Her Precision Protein Framework challenges conventional protein recommendations by recognizing that protein value is determined not just by how much is consumed, but by its amino acid quality, its suitability for the intended outcome, and the broader matrix of nutrients it provides. She has been an invited speaker at international nutrition and sports science symposia, and her work continues to shape how we think about protein quality standards and dietary requirements in both clinical and performance contexts.FREE RESOURCES:Immune Support Guide: https://mailchi.mp/nutritional-revolution/immune-support-downloadImmune Support Supplement Guide: https://mailchi.mp/nutritional-revolution/immune-support-supplement-guideFOLLOW DR. CARLENE STARCK:IG: https://instagram.com/dr.carlene.starck (less frequent updates)LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/carlene-starckComing soon: YouTube channel to explore  MENTIONED:Antioxidant NR Episode with Dr. David Church: https://nutritional-revolution.com/podcasts/the-protein-playbook-dr-david-church-explains-muscle-health-for-athletes/Rhonda Patrick’s FoundMyFitness podcast: https://foundmyfitness.com/Sulforaphane overview and research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Protein Summit: https://proteinresearch.org/Glycine, collagen, and glutathione information: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Carlene Starck and podcast overview02:46 - The effects of high-dose vitamin C and E around exercise04:39 - Optimal doses of vitamins C and E for athletes06:40 - Timing supplementation during training cycles09:12 - Dietary sources of vitamin C and typical intake11:04 - The role of glutathione and amino acids in antioxidant response13:15 - Direct versus indirect antioxidants and their impacts15:07 - Supportive antioxidants supporting endogenous pathways16:22 - Using compounds like tart cherry juice and their duration in training cycles18:13 - Fundamental nutrition and supporting nutrients like magnesium and zinc20:29 - Glutathione supplementation and supporting natural production22:50 - Keratin, glycine, and cysteine in supporting antioxidant pathways30:22 - Broccoli compounds, sulforophane, and performance benefits35:23 - Using NRF2 pathway activators for ongoing performance support38:41 - Physiological effects of loading antioxidants pre-competition45:09 - Clarification on her PhD research and personal background46:43 - Upcoming projects and research directionsMORE NRApply to work with Kyla → https://p.bttr.to/3ZrwzcFUse code NEWPOD10 for 10% off our meal plans → https://nutritional-revolution.com/products/CONNECT Instagram → www.instagram.com/nutritionalrevolutionSponsorship inquiries → [email protected] in having your biomarkers or nutrigenomics checked? Email us at [email protected] TRUSTED RESOURCES Supplements (save 20%) → https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/kchannellFeed Club ($20 off) → https://thefeed.com/teams/nutritional-revolutionKyla's top picks → https://shopmy.us/shop/nutrevFollow us @nutritionalrevolution