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What Is an Antioxidant?

When you are looking over nutritional supplements, you may see that they contain antioxidants as a purported benefit of the product. Keep reading to learn more about antioxidants and why you would want to consume them.

  1. Function

    • Antioxidants are chemicals that can can remove free radicals from circulation in your body and inhibit oxidation (thus, why they are called antioxidants).

    Background

    • Oxidation is a chemical process, involving transfers of electrons from one substance to another, that is necessary for some physiological functions but which can also cause damage to cells, especially by producing free radicals. Free radicals are believed to play a role in aging and disease.

    Significance

    • Many people believe that ensuring adequate intake of antioxidants, which counter the activity of free radicals in your body, could prevent diseases and improve overall health

    Identification

    • Many necessary vitamins and minerals function as antioxidants. The most widely recognized antioxidant is vitamin C, but other vitamins such as vitamin E and beta carotene can have antioxidant properties, and some antioxidants are manufactured within the body.

    Benefits

    • Various studies have found potential benefits of antioxidants in treating conditions ranging from brain injury to heart disease.

    Misconceptions

    • Taking huge doses of antioxidants may not always be a good idea. Several studies have shown that megadoses of antioxidants can sometimes cause adverse effects on health, such as a 1999 study that showed that large beta carotene doses increased mortality in lung cancer patients.

    Other Uses

    • Antioxidants are also used as food preservatives, preventing oxygen damage to stored food, and for industrial purposes, such as in stabilizing fuels and oils that can react adversely to oxidation.

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