Benefits of Antioxidant Supplements
Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, CoQ10 and Glutathione
Oct 9, 2009
Antioxidants protect against the free radical damage that occurs in cell and mitochondrial membranes. It is now widely accepted, in most scientific circles, that free radical damage is a leading cause of chronic and debilitating disease.
When we are young, our cells repair any free radical damage by producing enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and proteins such as glutathione, that act as antioxidants. For a number of reasons including poor diet and stress, cells begin to lose their ability to stop free radicals from damaging their membranes.
The Antioxidant Network
There are literally hundreds of antioxidants; however, five can be classed as network antioxidants. This means they work together in our bodies to strengthen our immune system and protect us from disease. These are vitamins C and E, lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10 and glutathione. Glutathione, lipoic acid and coQ10 are all produced by the body but levels diminish as we age. Vitamins C and E must be obtained from food.
Vitamins C, E and CoQ10
By working together, these antioxidants enhance each other’s effectiveness by recycling and regenerating each other. For example when vitamin E destroys a free radical, it becomes a weak free radical itself. However, this vitamin E radical can be recycled and turned back into an antioxidant by vitamin C or Coenzyme Q10. The same thing happens when vitamin C or glutathione disarms a free radical and becomes a weak free radical itself.
Lipoic Acid and Glutathione
Lipoic acid is perhaps the most versatile of all the network antioxidants. It is both fat and water soluble and is the only antioxidant that can significantly raise levels of glutathione, the antioxidant essential in the body’s own detoxification process. Glutathione is not well absorbed if taken as a supplement. So, by taking lipoic acid you are also increasing your levels of glutathione.
The main purpose of the antioxidant network is to stop antioxidants from being lost by oxidation. One network antioxidant saves the other and the cycle continues. With the right antioxidant balance, the body can naturally protect itself from diseases such as cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, memory loss and aging.
Free Radicals
Eating an antioxidant rich diet is essential; however, it is difficult to get an optimum amount of antioxidants to fight those free radicals through food alone. Good food sources include blueberries, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, garlic and onions, cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage and kale, red grapes and wine, squashes, spinach, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, green tea, turmeric and walnuts. A good quality, daily antioxidant supplement along with a healthy diet including the foods mentioned above, will get your body fighting fit and ready to take on those free radicals.
Sources: The Antioxidant Miracle, Lester Packer PHd and Carol Colman, 1999, John Wiley & Sons.
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