Antioxidants and Free Radicals

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Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that are created in the bodyduring normal metabolic functions or introduced from the environment. Freeradicals are inherently unstable, since they contain "extra" energy.To reduce their energy load, free radicals react with certain chemicals in thebody, and in the process, interfere with the cells' ability to functionnormally. Antioxidants work in several ways: they may reduce the energy of the freeradical, stop the free radical from forming in the first place, or interrupt anoxidizing chain reaction to minimize the damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are believed to play a role in more than sixtydifferent health conditions, including the aging process, cancer, andatherosclerosis.¹Reducing exposure to free radicals and increasing intake of antioxidantnutrients has the potential to reduce the risk of free radical-related healthproblems.

Oxygen, although essential to life, is the source of the potentially damagingfree radicals. Free radicals are also found in the environment. Environmentalsources of free radicals include exposure to ionizing radiation (from industry,sun exposure, cosmic rays, and medical X-rays), ozone and nitrous oxide(primarily from automobile exhaust), heavy metals (such as mercury, cadmium, andlead), cigarette smoke (both active and passive), alcohol, unsaturated fat, andother chemicals and compounds from food, water, and air.

The body produces several antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD),catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, that neutralize many types of freeradicals. Supplements of these enzymes are available for oral administration.However, their absorption is probably minimal at best. Supplementing with the"building blocks" the body requires to make SOD, catalase, andglutathione peroxidase may be more effective. These building block nutrientsinclude the minerals manganese, zinc, andcopper for SOD and selenium forglutathione peroxidase.

In addition to enzymes, many vitamins and minerals act as antioxidants intheir own right, such as vitamin C, vitaminE, beta-carotene, lutein,lycopene, vitamin B2,coenzyme Q10, and cysteine (an amino acid). Herbs, such asbilberry, turmeric (curcumin), grape seed or pine bark extracts, andginkgo can alsoprovide powerful antioxidant protection for the body.

Consuming a wide variety of antioxidant enzymes, vitamins, minerals, andherbs may be the best way to provide the body with the most complete protectionagainst free radical damage.

References

1. Ames BN, Shigenaga MK, Hagen TM. Oxidants, antioxidants,and the degenerative diseases of aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1993;90:7915-22.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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