| | Written by: Dr Arien van der Merwe MBChB FRIPH FRCAM MISMA | This is an introductory article with basic information on antioxidants. Read all about food supplements in my book or E-book, Health & Happiness Orders can be placed for all the books, food supplements and relaxation CD by clicking here to order from the Product Catalogue Keep it simple by choosing the three basic supplements to use every day in a health maintenance program to help you manage your health while coping with the stresses and strains of daily life. These are: i. An antioxidant combination ii. A calcium & magnesium combination with Vit D3, boron, potassium, etc. all in an amino acid chelated form iii. An omega 3 essential fatty acid supplement, in the form of cold water salmon oil; 1000mg per day. Supplements should preferably be taken with food for optimal absorption and bio-availability. Antioxidants support all the system of the body. Antioxidant food supplements particularly support the heart, endocrine and the immune system by helping the body fight against foreign invaders as well as accelerating the recovery of the inflamed mucosa in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. Examples of well known anti-oxidants are vitamins A, E and C, mixed carotenes as well as the minerals zinc, selenium and copper. Other anti-oxidants found in plants include the bioflavenoids (water-soluble plant chemicals responsible for the colour pigment of fruit, vegetables, grains, seeds, leaves and tree bark, and herbs such as Gingko boloba), co-enzyme Q10 and pycnogenol. | | What are anti-oxidants? | Anti-oxidant literally means "against oxygen''. Every living thing needs oxygen. But certain kinds of oxygen can be dangerous and detrimental to our health. They are also called free radicals. Anti-oxidants donate electrons to abnormal oxygen molecules (free radicals) to neutralise and balance them. | | What does the term ‘abnormal' oxygen mean? | Abnormal oxygen is constantly being formed in the body during all metabolic processes. A normal oxygen atom has two pairs of electrons revolving around the nucleus. This means the oxygen atom is in balance. During the metabolic processes in the body an extra electron attaches itself to the oxygen atom, making it unstable and biochemically very active. This kind of oxygen atom is called a free radical (‘abnormal' oxygen). It wants to pass on the extra electron to its nearest neighbour, or remove an electron from its next door neighbour to again make up a pair of electrons to revolve around its nucleus in order to restore a natural balance or equilibrium. This in turn will cause the neighbour to become a free radical. This process causes a chain reaction which can wreak havoc in a cell. | | Why are free radicals detrimental to our health? | Free radicals can accumulate in the cell membrane, causing the membrane with its phospholipid (the cell membrane consists of layers of phosphates with lipids or fats intertwined) chains to eventually break and the cell content to leak from the cell, rendering the cell useless. It can also damage the cell nucleus containing the sensitive DNA molecule which controls all cell functions. Free radicals can also destroy enzyme systems and damage mitochondria (the power stations in each cell responsible for energy production). | | Where do free radicals come from? | Most free radicals are formed in one of four ways: - They are produced during the production of cell energy where they are the by-products of the metabolic chain.
- The detoxification and neutralising of foreign substances such as medication, alcohol, toxins and chemicals generate free radicals.
When the immune system is activated to eliminate or neutralise foreign organisms (bacteria, parasites and fungi), abnormal cells (such as cancer cells) and foreign protein molecules, the white blood cells produce free radicals to attack these invaders. However, the excess number of free radicals remain in the cells and blood following the attack. They are also released into surrounding tissue during an infection. This leads to tissue damage and worsening of the disease symptoms.
- Free radicals also penetrate the body from the outside from sources such as ultraviolet light, air pollution, insecticides, poor diet and medication.
Examples of free radicals are the superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, single oxygen and hydroxyl radicals. Free radicals can wreak havoc and irreparably destroy the delicate biochemical harmony and balance (homeostasis) in the cell membrane, cell cytoplasm and cell nucleus, leading to chronic or acute disease processes. | | How does the body usually manage these free radicals? | Every cell in the body has 3 very important enzymes: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, that are there to neutralise free radicals as they are formed. These enzymes donate an electron to the free radicals to balance them. The enzymes need the support of vitamin A, C and E as well as the minerals zinc, selenium and copper. The B-complex vitamins are also minor anti-oxidants, but they are mainly involved as co-factors in every single metabolic chemical reaction that takes place in the body. | | Why is it important to neutralise free radicals? | The free radicals formed during the infective process in the white blood cells as part of the body's immune defense mechanism, destroy foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. Unfortunately, these free radicals are released into the surrounding tissues and they can cause tissue damage if not controlled by anti-oxidants. | | If the body has its own anti-oxidant enzymes to neutralise free radicals, why should I take additional anti-oxidants? | The body can cope with the normal day-to-day free radicals that are formed during the usual metabolic processes. It cannot, however, cope with all the additional free radicals being formed under the following conditions: - An increased production of free radicals (too many free radicals are produced for the three enzymes to cope with):
- This often happens with athletes (and others who train hard and push themselves to their physical limit regularly) - the more active and competitive they are, the more free radicals are formed because of the increased metabolism. Active athletes should therefore take anti-oxidant supplements to cope with the increased production of free radicals. This will also increase their performance and endurance as the damage caused by free radicals is reduced and the immune system is supported, reducing the chances of an infection.
- People with diabetes have an abnormal glucose metabolism associated with oxidative stress (increased super oxygen molecules with increased formation of free radicals). Additional anti-oxidants limit the tissue damage associated with diabetes; their insulin needs are reduced as is the eventual damage to the end organs typical of the disease (such as kidney damage, neuritis (nerve damage), damage to eyes and gangrene).
- All forms of chronic diseases (such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic infections, emphysema, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, varicose veins, cancer and AIDS) cause an increase in free radicals which exacerbate the damage caused by the disease and aggravate and prolong the disease process.
- Chronic or uncontrolled stress can, in the long term, significantly increase the metabolic rate. The enzymes responsible for maintaining the stress metabolism work harder and the free radicals increase significantly. The body therefore requires support from additional anti-oxidants.
- The white blood cells (specifically the macrophages or phagocytes) involved in the immune response, produce more free radicals as part of their campaign against foreign organisms (pathogens) such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. Other white blood cells destroy the macrophage or white blood cell that has gobbled up the pathogen. The free radicals inside the macrophage are released into the surrounding tissue, causing additional tissue damage.
- Increased exposure to free radicals from the environment is another possibility for an inability of the body to cope on its own:
- Smoke - cigarette smoke (inhaled directly or indirectly) and industrial smoke from factories and fires.
- Air pollution caused by factories, vehicle exhaust fumes and heaters.
- Exposure to ultraviolet light, including excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Exposure to carcinogens (cancer causing agents) in genetically susceptible people.
- As we age, the anti-oxidant enzymes are subject to increasing demands and they also become less active. Ageing is the total of a lifetime's damage caused by free radicals. It is never too late to take anti-oxidant supplements but the sooner you start the better in order to slow down the ageing process. Remember, mental attitude and general lifestyle also plays a major role in the ageing process!
- The immune system is an incredibly active system. The enzymes continually work in top gear to protect you against pollution, carcinogens, viruses, bacteria, fungi and every imaginable foreign invader (pathogen). Modern-day living subjects the immune system to strenuous demands. Unless we take anti-oxidants to support this workhorse, we will suffer the consequences.
The anti-oxidants supplied by our ordinary daily diet, cannot provide for all our needs. The main anti-oxidant nutrients are beta-carotene (and the other carotenes), vitamins A, E and C and the minerals selenium, zinc, copper and manganese. Pycnogenol (found in the bark of pine trees and grape seed extract), the coenzyme Q10 (indispensable for the power generators or mitochondria of our cells), cat's claw, alpha lipoic acid and glutathione are all examples of anti-oxidants. All fresh fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of anti-oxidants. But the problem still remains that it is practically very difficult or nearly impossible to supply all our daily needs through diet alone. Damage caused by free radicals plays a role in nearly every modern-day disease. Everyone will benefit from the use of additional anti-oxidants. | | What are the functions of anti-oxidants? | - Anti-oxidants neutralise free radicals. They donate electrons, thereby restoring equilibrium to the free radicals and limiting the damage. This is a very important function in all chronic degenerative diseases, the treatment of AIDS, the prevention and treatment of cancer, the prevention of ageing and any other condition where there is an increased production of free radicals (such as sports participation and diabetes). Some anti-oxidants such as pro-anthocyanidins (pycnogenol), found in grape seeds and the bark of pine trees, penetrate the blood-brain barrier, limiting damage caused by free radicals inside the brain. This is especially important in the treatment and prevention of strokes, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia as well as in the support or complementary management of meningitis and encephalitis.
- Anti-oxidants directly improve the performance of the immune system. They increase the adult white blood cell count and improve existing immune function. They improve the body's inherent ability to defend itself against pathogens (disease causing foreign organisms). This again entails the healing and support of the body's own defense mechanisms. Anti-oxidants improve symptoms associated with and shorten the duration of infections. The frequency of infections also decreases dramatically.
- Anti-oxidants benefit people who have to undergo chemo- or radiotherapy for cancer. The therapy causes a considerable increase in free radicals and immune suppression, as it destroys all the fast growing cells (cancer cells grow at an abnormally fast rate; but white blood cells, hair follicles and intestinal cells also usually grow and divide rapidly).
This explains why people who undergo these treatments suffer from so many side effects, including nausea, hair loss, fatigue and infections, to name but a few. Anti-oxidants sustain the immune system, reducing the side effects in order for the cancer to be fought with a stronger immune system and a more positive mental attitude. Everyone undergoing any form of cancer therapy or who has cancer must take an anti-oxidant supplement! It is never too late to start. Your quality of life, no matter how long you live, will improve. There are no contraindications. On the contrary, the therapy will be more effective. - Anti-oxidants prevent the oxidation of the bad LDL-cholesterol. LDL- cholesterol must first be oxidised before it can penetrate the walls of the blood vessels to start the process of atherosclerosis (thickening of the arterial walls). Anti-oxidants also reduce the formation of LDL-cholesterol.
- Anti-oxidants form an integral part of the biochemical structure of the body's own anti-oxidant enzymes. Glutathione peroxidase (GP) increases the concentration of vitamin E, thereby improving the body's own anti-oxidant functions. Selenium is an indispensable co-factor of glutathione peroxidase. Copper, manganese and zinc are part of the superoxide dismutase enzyme structure. The function and integrity of these vital enzymes are supported and improved by additional anti-oxidants.
- Anti-oxidants suppress and neutralise the effect of carcinogens (potential cancer-forming substances), preventing the initiation process in the development of cancer. Some anti-oxidants bind to cell receptors, preventing carcinogens from penetrating the cells.
- Anti-oxidants have the inherent potential to cause cancer cells to return to normal by restoring the growth control mechanism of cells in the DNA molecule in the cell nucleus. Cancer cells lose their ability to communicate with other cells. Anti-oxidants can, however, restore the communication between cells, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
- A comprehensive antioxidant combination should have most of the following per capsule (dosage: 2 caps in the morning after breakfast):
Vitamin A: 3,5mg
Vitamin C: 300mg in the morning as part of the antioxidant combo, and 250mg at night together with the calcium and magnesium
Vitamin E: 30mg
Selenium: 10mg
Zinc: 10mg as amino acid chelate
Copper: 2mg as amino acid chelate
Chromium: 0.15mg as polinicotinate
Manganese: 5mg. as amino acid chelate
Molybdenum: 2mg as amino acid chelate
Vanadium: 2mg as amino acid chelate
B-complex: 25mg of each: B 1,2,3, 5,6 ; 0.025mg B12; 0.025mg biotin, and 0.2mg folic acid
Flavonoids 7 herbs: e.g. Ginkgo biloba, proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract with pycnogenol); other plant nutrients such as grape skin with resveratrol, and kelp
Also useful if it contains: green tea (25mg), lipoic acid (15mg), Co-enzyme Q10 (15mg).
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