In a study performed at the German Sport University in Cologne, scientists examined 32 rats that had one of their hindlegs immobilized for 8 days, similar to the way a fractured bone is cast. The other leg was free to move. One group received six intraperitoneal injections of vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol acetate at a dose of 60 mg/kg twice a week. The injections started 2 weeks before the immobilization period. After the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed and their muscles examined.

Levels of oxidative stress were less in the vitamin E group. This supports the role of vitamin E as a potent antioxidant. Muscle fiber measurements of the soleus muscle revealed a 35% decrease in muscle fiber cross­sectional area in the immobilized muscles of animals that did not receive vitamin E. However, the vitamin E-treated group showed only a' 12% loss of muscle fiber cross-sectional area.

This study clearly shows that vitamin E plays a role in modulating skeletal muscle mass. In this case, the muscle studied was the predominantly slow-twitch (>90%) soleus muscle. Most muscles in the human body are 50% fast and slow. Would this muscle-protective effect of vitamin E be similar in those muscles that have a greater percentage of fast fibers? Certainly, one should be cautious of over-extrapolating from rodent data to the human condition.

Nevertheless, this study has interesting implications for human athletes (particularly strength-power athletes) who often succumb to injury and have to rest a body part or the entire body for prolonged periods.

How much vitamin E should you consume

Right now, scientists do not know the optimal dose for athletes, but many individuals who do not experience any ill effects take doses as high as 200-400 IU per day regularly. Further, you need these doses to attain some degree of cardiovascular disease protection.