What Does This Mean For Me?
Special Functions of Antioxidants |
|
Component |
Function |
Vitamin A |
Essential for good eye health, helps reduce the risk of some cancers |
Vitamin C |
Regenerates vitamin E. Helps prevent cataracts and stomach cancer |
Vitamin E as natural tocopherols plus tocotrienols |
A master antioxidant. Protects the cell membranes. Protects the cholesterol and other lipids from going rancid. Boosts the immune system in the elderly. Protects the skin and delays aging. Slows down Alzheimer's, reduces the risk of prostate cancer and some other cancers, cataracts and other chronic diseases. Tocotrienols support healthy cholesterol and overall cardiovascular health. Gamma-tocopherol fights nitrogen radicals and may have a role in nerve, liver and kidney health |
Carotenoid complex of alpha, beta & gamma- carotenes, lutein, lycopene, astaxanthin |
Important for eye health especially for preventing cataracts and macular degeneration especially carotenes, lutein and astaxanthin. Lycopene may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer |
Coenzyme Q10 |
Important antioxidant for the mitochondria (the minute power plants in our body). Works well with vitamin E. May help heart muscle and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's |
Lipoic acid |
Works with vitamin E. Important for normal nerve function. May reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in diabetics |
Folic acid |
A weak antioxidant, it has major benefits because it reduces homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease. Reduces the risk of colon cancer. Reduces the risk of birth defects |
Vitamin B6 |
Although not an antioxidant, it works with antioxidants because it boosts the immune system of the elderly |
Vitamin B12 |
The higher level of folic acid increases the requirement of B12 |
Betaine |
Although not an antioxidant, it works with antioxidants because it helps reduce homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease |
Selenium |
Important component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Synergistic with vitamin E. Boosts the immune system in the elderly. Reduces the risk of prostate, skin and other cancers |
Zinc |
Important component of antioxidant enzymes. Boosts the immune system in the elderly. Reduces the risk of prostate, skin and other cancers |
Copper |
Important component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase which may support good neurological function |
Manganese |
Important component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. May help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's |
Food versus supplements. Food is by far the preferred source of antioxidants. For some antioxidants, such as vitamin E, it is almost impossible to obtain from food the amounts required for prevention of disease, for wellness. In addition, people with increased needs such as the elderly or those with family history of chronic disease and those with absorption problems will need to supplement their diet to get sufficient amounts. With today's lifestyles, the majority of people do not take sufficient antioxidants from their diet.
While food is the preferred source of antioxidants, supplementation may be needed to achieve effective levels for prevention of disease and wellness and for therapy.
Safety should be a major consideration. Most antioxidants have a wide margin of safety. Pro-oxidant effects of antioxidants at high doses have been clearly demonstrated in the test tube but their occurrence in animals and humans appear rare and their significance remains controversial. Safety, however, must be seriously considered when high levels are used and in disease conditions where interactions with medications can take place. For example, high doses of beta-carotene appeared to have adverse effects in smokers. Vitamin E decreases platelet aggregation and can affect anticoagulant therapy. Vitamin C can be harmful in patients with hemochromatosis.
Megadoses of antioxidants can be unsafe and even toxic. People treated for disease conditions and those receiving some specific medications should consult with their physician before taking large doses of antioxidants.
THE BOTTOM LINE: HOW DO I CHOOSE A GOOD ANTIOXIDANT PRODUCT? |
||
Follow the science and use these basic tips: Choose products that supply:
Avoid products that contain megadoses. Not only may they not help, but they disturb the balance of the system and they can be counterproductive. Check for other ingredients that although not antioxidants they work in the body. Folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 are important for the immune system and for reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Read the label and the fine print. Are the ingredients described well enough to tell whether they are natural (such as vitamin E), or have high bioavailability (gluconate chelated minerals are absorbed much better than other forms). Beware of claims which are not supported by the science. Take claims of miracle, mystery ingredients with many grains of skepticism.
|