Probably, and there is certainly no downside to adding higher levels of vitamins and minerals that are part of our body's antioxidant systems to your daily intake since endurance activities cause unnaturally high levels of oxidative damage. Meaning the body's natural production of antioxidants can be overwhelmed during and after intense or long-term exercise bouts, which can lead to poor recovery and sickness.
High levels of vitamin C, E, zinc, other minerals and omega-3 fats involved in our body's antioxidant systems have been shown to reduce exercise-induced oxidative damage and in reducing instances or duration of post-event sicknesses in highly stressed athletes and soldiers. Although the answer seems intuitive, the question is, does this reduction in oxidative damage make a difference in the long-term to the average endurance athlete? Since there is certainly no downside but may be a big upside by at least using a daily multivitamin and mineral formula that contains the common antioxidant nutrients along with an omega-3 supplement, we recommend this protocol to all athletes.