Effects of Marathon Running on Skin and Plasma Carotenoids in Endurance Runners.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Carotenoids are pigmented phytochemicals known for their antioxidant properties, known to protect against oxidative damage, especially in the context of intense exercise. The purpose of this paper was to observe and analyze the short-term effects of running a full marathon on skin and plasma carotenoid levels in endurance runners.

Methods

This study recruited 24 healthy endurance runners (12 male, 12 female; mean age 37 years) registered for a 26.2-mile marathon. Skin carotenoid (SC) measures were taken via reflection spectroscopy, and plasma carotenoid concentrations (lycopene and β-carotene) were assessed via HPLC at three time points: pre-race, immediately post-race, and 48 h post-race. Changes across time were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA.

SUBMITTER: Joyner D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12899393 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature