Antioxidants
Other name(s):
free radical scavengers
General description
Antioxidants help prevent free
radicals from harming healthy cells in the body. It does this by stopping them.
A free radical is an atom or
molecule that contains 1 or more unpaired electrons. These electrons want to bond to
atoms or molecules. So, they do easily. This process harms your body. Many things can
cause free radicals. These include radiation, environmental toxins, and tobacco smoke.
Your body also makes free radicals when it converts fat to energy.
Antioxidants come in many forms. These include enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
Enzymes
Vitamins
-
Beta-carotene
-
Vitamin A
-
Vitamin C
-
Vitamin E
Minerals
These are not antioxidants on their own. But they work with oxidative enzymes.
Herbs
-
Bilberry
-
Ginkgo biloba
-
Grape seed extract
-
Green tea extract
Others
-
Anthocyanidins
-
Carotenoids
-
Flavonoids
-
Resveratrol
-
Lutein
-
Lycopene
Medically valid uses
Antioxidants have been studied to
check how they affect cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. There have also been
studies of their impact on diseases due to aging. These include macular
degeneration.
The results of these studies have
been mixed. Some studies have shown an increase in lung cancer among smokers who took
beta carotene. Another study showed that selenium and vitamin E did not decrease the
risk of prostate cancer. It also found that men taking vitamin E alone had an increased
risk of prostate cancer.
It also isn’t known if taking
man-made (synthetic) antioxidant supplements has the same effect on the body as eating
foods rich in these substances. The Women's Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study looked at
vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. It found that these didn’t prevent heart
disease or stroke in women ages 45 to 65. But it did decrease the risk in women age 65
and older.
Antioxidants may delay the start of
macular degeneration. This is an eye disease. It’s a leading cause of blindness in
people over age 65. The macula is the part of the retina that allows sharp vision.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids may help the most.
Unsubstantiated claims
There may be benefits that have not
yet been proven through research.
Experts agree that antioxidants
from fruits and vegetables reduce the risk for many diseases. They also affect the start
of some age-related diseases. But they don't know if antioxidants from supplements have
the same effect. Research on this topic has had mixed results.
Dosing
Antioxidants come in many forms and
dosages. Read labels and ask your healthcare provider for guidelines.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Side effects, toxicity, and interactions
The side effects of antioxidants
vary based on the type of antioxidant.
There are no major food or medicine
interactions linked with antioxidants.