Conditions in the body during aerobic exercise increase the level of lipid 
peroxidation (LP). LP is associated with elevated concentration of modified 
low-density lipoproteins that are implicated in development of cardiovascular 
disease. Supplementation with antioxidant vitamin E to athletes at 267 mg (400 
IUs) or greater has been reported to reduce levels of LP associated with 
exercise. Little is currently known about the effects of modest supplementation 
of vitamin E on previously sedentary adults who initiate an aerobic fitness 
program. In the present study, sedentary subjects (n = 14) kept 24-hour diet 
records to establish antioxidant intake of vitamins E and C and collected 
24-hour urine samples that were used to determine baseline urinary 
malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, one measure of in vivo LP. No significant 
differences were noted in the parameters between groups. Seven subjects were 
randomly selected and supplemented daily with 133 mg (200 IUs) of vitamin E. All 
subjects participated in moderate-intensity aerobic training for 8 weeks. 
Post-training, non-supplemented subjects excreted significantly more MDA 
(p<0.05) and consumed significantly fewer antioxidants than the supplemented 
group. Vitamin E supplementation appears to suppress elevated LP associated with 
beginning an aerobic exercise regimen in previously sedentary subjects.