Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect against free radical damage. Antioxidant nutrients such as beta carotene, selenium, vitamin E and C, are very important in helping protect against the development of chronic diseases associated with the ageing process, such as; heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. Current data suggests that a combination of antioxidants will provide greater antioxidant protection than any single nutrient.

VITAMIN C (magnesium ascorbate) - magnesium helps buffer and reduce the acidity of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is required to regenerate vitamin E and is essential in producing the potent free-radical protector GLUTATHIONE. Antioxidant vitamins C and E or their combination can effectively lower the serum cholesterol and LDL levels and raise the serum HDL level in the middle aged-to-elderly healthy individuals. Homocysteine levels correlate significantly inversely to vitamin C levels, the fact of which means a positive vitamin C effect in free radical removal in hyperhomocysteinemia.
VITAMIN E (d-alpha-tocopherol) - Vitamin E is the most important fat-soluble antioxidant present in human and animal tissues. It is found in the lipid-rich areas of cells such as in cell membranes and the brain. It is at these sites where it acts to stabilise and protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals, heavy metals, and environmental toxins. Vitamin E plays an important role in the health and integrity of the lipid-rich nerve cells.
NATURAL BETA CAROTENE (d. salina algae) - Epidemiological studies have shown that people with high intakes of beta-carotene or high blood levels of this nutrient have a reduced risk of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease (van Poppel and Goldbohm, 1995).
Lutein / zeaxanthin - Observational studies have noted that higher dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin is related to reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, two eye conditions for which there is minimal options when it comes to effective prevention. Researchers speculate that these carotenoids may promote eye health through their ability to protect the eyes from light-induced oxidative damage and aging through both their antioxidant actions as well as their ability to filter out UV light.
Cryptoxanthin - Research suggests that cryptoxanthin may promote the health of the respiratory tract. Serum concentrations of this carotenoid have been found to be associated with improved lung function as measured by functional tests. Studies have suggested that decreased lung cancer risk is associated with higher dietary intake and higher serum levels of beta-cryptoxanthin while persons who smoke as well as those who inhale second hand smoke have been found to have lower levels of this carotenoid.
Alpha carotene - Research indicates that diets low in alpha-carotene and carotenoids can increase the body's susceptibility to damage from free radicals. As a result, over the long term, alpha-carotene deficient diets may increase tissue damage from free radical activity, and increase risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancers.
L-CYSTEINE - cysteine is a sulphur rich amino acid found in abundance in hair and skin and plays an important role in the flexibility of the skin. The enzyme glutathione peroxidase contains a large amount of cysteine.
ZINC (citrate) - zinc is involved in many physiological processes. It has a particular importance as an antioxidant due to its functions in the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (copper-zinc SOD). Zinc levels are typically reduced in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Zinc also appears to play important protective roles in the macula, the brain, (Alzheimer's disease), immune function, skin health, and prostate function.
L-GLUTATHIONE - glutathione is a tripeptide comprising the three amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Its role as a deactivator of free radicals is well established. In the body glutathione combines with selenium to form GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE. Glutathione helps protect against lipid peroxidation and reduce the cross linkage of protein (marker of ageing). Glutathione has also been shown to be effective in removing harmlessly from the body, lead, cadmium, mercury and aluminium.
SELENIUM (l. selenomethionine) - The trace mineral selenium functions primarily as a component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which works with vitamin E in preventing free radical damage to cell membranes. A high concentration of selenium is found within GSH in sperm and within the testis. In a double-blind trial, selenium supplementation of infertile men improved the motility of sperm cells and increased the chance of conception. A double-blind trial that included over 1,300 people found those given 200 mcg of yeast-based selenium per day for 4.5 years had a 50% drop in the cancer death rate compared with the placebo group. Another study found that men consuming the most dietary selenium developed 65% fewer cases of advanced prostate cancer than did men with the lowest levels of selenium intake.
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID - Alpha lipoic acid is a sulphur-containing vitamin-like substance playing key roles in the production of ATP and acts uniquely as a potent antioxidant in protecting against both fat and water soluble free radicals. It also extends and enhances the effect of other antioxidants, which are used to defend the body against free radical damage. Although lipoic acid deficiency states have not been demonstrated in human beings, animal studies show that a deficiency of lipoic acid results in reduced muscle mass, brain atrophy, failure to thrive and increased lactic acid accumulation.
MANGANESE (citrate) - manganese functions in the antioxidant enzyme SOD. This enzyme prevents the deleterious effects of the superoxide free radical from destroying cellular components. Manganese supplementation can increase SOD activity.
VITAMIN B2 (riboflavin) - riboflavin has powerful antioxidant potential due its ability to regenerate GLUTATHIONE via glutathione reductase. Riboflavin deficiency is associated with increased lipid peroxidation; supplementation of riboflavin can inhibit this process.
VITAMIN B6 (pyridoxine HCL) - pyridoxine exerts antioxidant effects through its ability to reduce lipid peroxidation. It is also plays key roles in fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, and in regulating homocysteine levels.
COPPER (citrate) - copper is required for the proper function of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which is required for the regulation of collagen and elastin in proteins involved in skin health. Copper deficiency can result in increased lipid peroxidation, bone and joint abnormalities, elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL levels, and impaired immune function. Both zinc and copper are required for SOD production. An ideal ratio of zinc to copper is generally recommended as 10:1.

Dosage

One capsule daily, or as recommended.

Potential applications

Prevention of chronic diseases associated with the ageing process. Osteoarthritis, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, visual health - age-related macular degeneration, skin-ageing, poor immunity (colds and infections), hair / skin / nail health, asthma. Sports nutrition. Conditions of oxidative stress. Pollution. Alcohol excess. Detoxification support. Poor diet - low in fruits and vegetables. Travelling (poor fresh food availability).

Known contraindications

None known at maintenance dose.

Interactions

None known at maintenance dose.

Use in conjunction with

A correct vegetarian nutrition or optimized mixed diets with regular and frequent consumption of protective food commodities may be an effective contribution to the age-related chronic degenerative disease prevention.

Note

Plant food, especially fresh organic food, is an abundant source of antioxidants.

REFERENCES

Melvyn R. Werbach MD 1990. Nutritional Influences on Illness. Keats Publishing, USA.
Michael Murray. 1996. The Encyclopaedia of Nutritional Supplements. P. 44-53
Bowman and Russell. 2001. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. Eighth Edition.
James L. Groff, Sareen S. Gropper, Sara M. Hunt. 1995. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. 2nd Edition.
Rezaian GR, Taheri M, Mozaffari BE, Mosleh AA, Ghalambor MA. The salutary effects of antioxidant vitamins on the plasma lipids of healthy middle aged-to-elderly individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Med Liban. 2002 Jan-Apr;50(1-2):10-3.
Dusinska M, Kazimirova A, Barancokova M, Beno M, Smolkova B, Horska A, Raslova K, Wsolova L, Collins AR.
Nutritional supplementation with antioxidants decreases chromosomal damage in humans. Mutagenesis. 2003 Jul;18(4):371-6
Krajcovicova-Kudlackova M, Ursinyova M, Blazicek P, Spustova V, Ginter E, Hladikova V, Klvanova J. Free radical disease prevention and nutrition. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2003;104(2):64-8.
Bonnefoy M, Drai J, Kostka T Antioxidants to slow aging, facts and perspectives Presse Med. 2002 Jul 27;31(25):1174-84.
Salonen JT, Nyyssonen K, Salonen R, Lakka HM, Kaikkonen J, Porkkala-Sarataho E, Voutilainen S, Lakka TA, Rissanen T, Leskinen L, Tuomainen TP, Valkonen VP, Ristonmaa U, Poulsen HE. Antioxidant Supplementation in Atherosclerosis Prevention (ASAP) study: a randomized trial of the effect of vitamins E and C on 3-year progression of carotid atherosclerosis. J Intern Med. 2000 Nov;248(5):377-86.
McBee WL, Lindblad AS, Ferris III FL. Who should receive oral supplement treatment for age-related macular degeneration? Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2003 Jun;14(3):159-62.
Scott, B. et al., Lipoic and Dihydrolipoic Acids as Antioxidants: A Critical Review. Free Rad Res 20, 119-133, 1994.
Vajragupta O, Boonchoong P, Sumanont Y, Watanabe H, Wongkrajang Y, Kammasud N. Manganese-based complexes of radical scavengers as neuroprotective agents. Bioorg Med Chem. 2003 May 15;11(10):2329-37.
Woodside JV, Yarnell JW, McMaster D, Young IS, Harmon DL, McCrum EE, Patterson CC, Gey KF, Whitehead AS, Evans A. Effect of B-group vitamins and antioxidant vitamins on hyperhomocysteinemia: a double-blind, randomized, factorial-design, controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998 May;67(5):858-66

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