Effects of ascorbic acid on serum cortisol and the testosterone: Cortisol ratio in junior elite weightlifters

This study examined the short-term effects of the daily ingestion of ascorbic acid (1,000 mg/d) on resting and postexercise concentrations of serum cortisol (Cort), testosterone (T), and the testosterone : cortisol ratio (T:C) in 17 junior elite weightlifters. Subjects were assigned to one of two groups equated for body mass and weightlifting total. GAA received ascorbic acid each day. GP received a placebo similar in appearance to the ascorbic acid supplement. Subjects participated in a competitive, high volume, high intensity training program. Blood (fasting) was drawn 5 times: baseline, Day 16 preexercise, immediate post, 1-hr post, and 24 hrs past. Exercise consisted of typical large-muscle-mass exercises familiar to all subjects and was standardized based on relative intensity (% 1-RM). ANCOVA, using preexercise ascorbic acid concentrations as the covariant, showed a significant difference (p = 0.02) for cortisol at 24 hrs post. Testosterone or the T:C ratio did not differ between groups at any point.