# Is Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity Elevated in Professional Soccer Athletes?: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study compares antioxidant levels in professional soccer athletes and non-athletes, finding no significant difference but suggesting athletes may appear to have higher antioxidant capacity due to better body composition.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel analytical approach to assess antioxidant capacity in athletes using non-athlete-based scales.

## Key findings

- Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were similar between professional athletes and non-athletes.
- Athletes showed superior body composition indices but no direct influence of TAC on PRP therapy was found.
- TAC levels in athletes were higher when evaluated using correlations derived from non-athletes.

## Abstract

Owing to its ability to promote early recovery, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a popular regenerative therapy for treating sports injuries. However, its scientific basis has not yet been fully established. To bridge this gap, we focused on systemic antioxidant capacity, which suppresses exacerbated inflammation. Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in male professional soccer athletes (n = 30) was assessed alongside body composition measurements and compared with that of non-athletes (n = 31). Metabolic and inflammatory conditions were examined using erythrocyte sedimentation rate and plasma lactate, glucose, and protein levels. TAC levels were similar in both groups. Moderate correlations were observed between TAC and body fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage, and basal metabolic rate in the control group, but not in the pro-athlete group, which exhibited superior body composition indices. These findings suggest that TAC levels may not directly influence PRP therapy in athletes. However, when compared with TAC levels calculated using correlations obtained in controls, the measured TAC levels (329.3 mM) were substantially higher than the compensated levels (62.5 mM for basal metabolic rate) in pro-athletes. This analytical approach indicates that TAC may theoretically be elevated to higher levels in pro-athletes when evaluated using non-athlete-based scales.