Total radical trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) and exercise

The relationship between physical activity, physical fitness and totalradical trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) was examined in the NorthernIreland Health and Activity Survey. This was a cross-sectional populationstudy (n = 1600) using a two-stage probability sample of the population.TRAP was calculated using the sum of the individual serum antioxidantconcentrations (urate, protein thiols, ascorbate, alpha tocopherol andbilirubin) multiplied by their respective stoichiometric values. Physicalfitness was determined by estimation of VO2max by extrapolation fromsubmaximal oxygen uptake, and physical activity was recorded bycomputer-assisted interview. Mean serum TRAP concentrations weresignificantly higher in males (653 +/- 8.2 mumol/l, mean +/- SEM) comparedto females (564 +/- 8.0 mumol/l) (p < 0.0001). Both male and femalesmokers had significantly lower TRAP values than non-smokers (males p <0.0001, females p = 0.02). In females, there was a positive relationship ofTRAP with age (p < 0.001) and body mass index (p < 0.001) but anegative relationship with physical fitness (p < 0.05). The knownbeneficial effects of exercise and activity do not appear to be directlymediated through increased antioxidant status.