Check out this answer from Consensus:
Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative damage and are beneficial in preventing various diseases and promoting healthy aging. However, the benefits are more pronounced when antioxidants are consumed through a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables rather than supplements. Excessive intake of antioxidants, especially through supplements, can have adverse effects and may not always provide the expected health benefits. Therefore, a balanced approach to antioxidant intake, focusing on natural sources, is recommended for optimal health.
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals leading to cell damage. They are widely discussed in the context of human health, disease prevention, and aging. This synthesis aims to evaluate whether antioxidants are beneficial for health based on multiple research studies.
Key Insights
- Health Benefits of Antioxidants:
- Antioxidants help prevent damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins caused by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which are linked to various diseases and aging1 3 5 7.
- Dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, carotenoids, and flavonoids, are important in maintaining health and preventing oxidative stress-related diseases1 3 5 9.
- Antioxidants from natural sources like fruits, seeds, and vegetables have been shown to have health-promoting effects, including reducing oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases3 9 10.
- Potential Risks and Limitations:
- Some antioxidants can act as pro-oxidants under certain conditions, potentially increasing oxidative stress and causing harm2 4 6.
- Excessive intake of antioxidants, particularly through supplements, may lead to adverse effects such as suppression of immune responses and increased risk of conditions like asthma, allergies, and obesity4 6.
- The physiological relevance of antioxidants’ pro-oxidant effects observed in vitro is still uncertain, and more in vivo data are needed1 2 4.
- Antioxidants and Disease Prevention:
- There is strong evidence supporting the role of antioxidants in preventing lipid and protein oxidation, which is crucial in protecting against cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers1 5 7.
- Antioxidants may help in managing age-related diseases and promoting healthy aging by disrupting age-associated physiological deterioration7 10.
- Antioxidant supplementation has shown mixed results; while it can improve antioxidant status and reduce oxidative stress, it may not significantly impact inflammation or other biomarkers of chronic diseases8.
Are antioxidants good for you?
Margreet Vissers has answered Likely
An expert from University of Otago in Vitamin C, Biochemistry, Cancer Immunology
Yes. Antioxidants are necessary to combat the dangers of living in a high oxygen environment, and of using oxygen to energy production. Our bodies have a whole array of antioxidants that function in all environments. You can’t live without them.
Are antioxidants good for you?
Jens Lykkesfeldt has answered Uncertain
An expert from University of Copenhagen in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Vitamin C
This is a complex question. Clearly essential micronutrients such as vitamin C that are also antioxidants are good (essential) for you. However, the notion that antioxidants per se has super powers in terms of preventing or curing disease has been put to rest long ago. It is therefore important to distinguish between essential micronutrient that happens to be antioxidants (and are important for humans health) and other ‘generic’ antioxidants that very common in e.g. fruits and vegetables that are not individually essential.