What is an antioxidant?

Antioxidants are specific molecules that prevent or slow the oxidation of other chemicals.

Why are antioxidants important?

Oxidation reactions often produce “free radicals”, which have the potential to form dangerous chain reactions. Antioxidants can stop these chain reactions and inhibit others from happening. Although oxidation reactions are essential to life, they can also be damaging because low antioxidant levels cause “oxidative stress”. Oxidative stress is known to damage or kills cells, and is believed to play a role in aging and the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and a number of cardiovascular diseases.

Should I take an antioxidant supplment?

Many people take an antioxidant supplement to stay healthy, prevent several diseases, and in an effort to slow the the aging process. Although the research surrounding the use of an antioxidant supplement is mixed, many believe that adding a supplement of this kind to a healthy diet can be beneficial. Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to many devastating diseases that are associated with age, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Antioxidants are currently being investigated as possible treatments for these diseases. Some studies have suggested that antioxidants may even prevent conditions such as macular degeneration and suppressed immunitty due to poor nutrition. Paradoxically, although many people take an antioxidant supplement to prevent cancer, there is reason to believe that they may actually interfere with cancer treatments. Whether or not you should take an antioxidant supplement is a decision best made after educating yourself about their use and one that should be made after consulting your personal physician.