Our life forms are based on using oxygen to make energy. But within our cells oxygen produces free radicals, substances that have unpaired electrons. Their need to pair their electrons drives free radicals to steal single electrons from neighboring molecules and so to endanger our biochemical processes. In addition, various toxins steal pairs of electrons; these are called oxidants. Free radicals combined with other oxidants can pose such intense oxidative challenges that humans have an antioxidant defence system just to manage them. Making up the first line of antioxidant defense are the antioxidant enzymes, which rely on electronically active minerals incorporated into their structures. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) has two subtypes that use either zinc along with copper, or manganese. Catalase uses iron, and the glutathione peroxidases (GP) use selenium. The next line of defense is the nutrient antioxidants, which directly donate electrons to free radicals or other oxidants to “quench” their activity. Beyond this, important biomolecules are sacrificed and life processes are directly threatened. Modern living creates diverse oxidative challenges for the body. Toxic environmental and foodborne pollutants, infectious agents, excessive radiation, pharmaceutical and “recreational” drugs, even emotional stress, load on top of poor lifestyle and diet, to intensify our total oxidative load and deplete our antioxidant resources. Antioxidant supplements replenish the needed antioxidants and enzyme cofactors. We
need antioxidants to stay healthy and live a long life. Thousands
of scientific and clinical studies link poor antioxidant status to
poor health, chronic disease, and susceptibility to infection. The
most cost-effective antioxidant is vitamin C. Good doses are 500 to
2,000 mg per day for people 30 or younger, and 2,000 to 6,000 mg per
day for those older than 30. Another cost-effective antioxidant is
vitamin E, at 200-400 IU (International Units) up to age 30 and 400-800
IU over age 30. Alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 are expensive but
very good to take. For more details, see Why You Should Take Vitamins:
Developing Your Personal Vitamin Program. |
