Comparison of pulmonary performance of athletes adminstered ascorbic acid and salbutamol

Abstract

The relationship between Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) and pulmonary function has been reported to be a protection against pulmonary dysfunction. Sympathomimetics like salbutamol are respiratory smooth muscle relaxants. This research work is aimed at investigating the roles of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and salbutamol on the pulmonary function athletes. Subjects who gave their consent were interviewed through questionnaire for medical history and those with respiratory or cardiovascular disorders were excluded. A total of 100 subjects were used, 50 for each test group (Ascorbic Acid and Salbutamol). Spirometry and peak flow (PEFR) measurements were done on each subject; Ascorbic Acid was given orally at a dose of 1.50mg/kg body weight and Salbutamol at a dose of 70μg/kg body weight orally. The body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were considered. Measurements were taken before and after one hour of administration of drugs. The results show mean PEFR male and female for Ascorbic Acid test group as 535.2±207.79L/Min and 322.76±20.39L/Min respectively. Salbutamol group PEFR male and female as 364.8±23.20L/Min and 325.6±20.45L/Min respectively. Non athletes (Control groups) PEFR male and female as 450.6±51.45L/Min and 290±34.90L/Min for ascorbic acid, 318±16.26L/Min and 275.20±14.77L/Min for Salbutamol respectively. Ascorbic Acid increases PEFR much more than Salbutamol. ERV, IC, VC and IVC were increased by Ascorbic Acid compared to Salbutamol. The research work shows that the performance enhancing role of Ascorbic Acid was more pronounced in males than females compared with Salbutamol in athletes.