Physical activity as a natural antioxidant booster and its effect on a healthy life span.

The recent Surgeon General's report (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996) promotes regular physical activity to enhance health. A possible mechanism by which physical activity contributes to a healthy life span is via enhanced antioxidant status. The purpose of this paper is to summarize findings from human studies on life span, health, antioxidants, and the effectiveness of physical activity as a natural antioxidant booster. Epidemiological studies concur that some antioxidants are inversely related to mortality. A single bout of exercise elevates some antioxidant enzyme and coenzyme activities. Regular physical activity enhances some antioxidants; however, strenuous exercise may diminish others. Results generally show that antioxidants play a mediating role in the way in which physical activity positively affects a healthy life span.