The Claim
Antioxidant supplementation following resistance exercise reduces the acute phosphorylation of p70S6K without altering muscle protein synthesis or hypertrophy, indicating a dissociation between signaling activation and functional outcomes in skeletal muscle.
What the research says
Not yet evaluated
We are still looking at what the research says.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Taking antioxidant supplements after weight training reduces a specific molecular signal in muscle cells called p70S6K phosphorylation, but this change does not lead to any difference in muscle growth or protein building.
See the scientific wording
The acute phosphorylation of p70S6K, a key signaling protein in muscle anabolism, is reduced by antioxidant supplementation after resistance exercise, but this does not correspond to altered muscle protein synthesis or hypertrophy, suggesting signaling decoupling may occur.
When someone lifts weights, their muscles produce molecules called ROS that act as signals to turn on growth pathways. Taking antioxidant supplements removes these ROS signals, which turns down a specific growth signal called p70S6K. Even though this signal is weaker, the muscles still build the same amount of protein and get just as big because other pathways take over to keep protein production going. The body compensates for the lost signal by using different routes to maintain muscle growth.
What the research says
1 studyTaking vitamin C and E after lifting weights lowers a signal that tells muscles to grow, but your muscles still get just as big and strong—meaning the signal isn't always needed for growth to happen.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.