What are the latest findings on antioxidants in preventing chronic diseases?
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Latest Findings on Antioxidants in Preventing Chronic Diseases
Antioxidant Hypothesis and Chronic Disease Prevention
The "antioxidant hypothesis" suggests that antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids can protect against chronic diseases by reducing oxidative damage. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods are consistently associated with lower mortality rates and reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers1. However, randomized trials have not consistently shown benefits from antioxidant supplements, and some studies even suggest potential harm in specific subgroups1. Therefore, the current public health advice emphasizes increasing the consumption of plant foods rather than relying on supplements1.
Antioxidant Phytochemicals and Health Benefits
Antioxidant phytochemicals found in vegetables and fruits are believed to play a crucial role in preventing and treating chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress. These compounds possess strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities, along with anti-inflammatory properties. They are linked to various health benefits, including anticancer, anti-aging, and protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases2. The health benefits of these phytochemicals are attributed to their ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation2.
Oxidative Stress and Chronic Diseases
Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses, is implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer3. Antioxidants can hinder oxidative processes and thereby delay or prevent oxidative stress. Both endogenous (produced within the body) and exogenous (obtained from the diet) antioxidants play roles in controlling oxidation and potentially preventing chronic diseases3.
Antioxidants and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Oxidative stress is a significant factor in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Meta-analyses indicate that antioxidant therapy can reduce CKD progression, with specific antioxidants like pentoxifylline and bardoxolone methyl showing robust protective effects4. However, the variability in individual responses and potential off-target effects introduce uncertainty about the role of oxidative stress in CKD progression and the efficacy of antioxidant therapy4. Further research is needed to personalize antioxidant therapy for CKD patients4.
Biomarkers and Antioxidant Nutrients
Research has explored the use of biomarkers to measure exposure to antioxidant nutrients and oxidative stress status. These biomarkers include measures of lipid, DNA, and protein oxidation. Studies have examined the effects of antioxidant nutrients on these markers, providing insights into their potential roles in preventing chronic diseases5. However, methodological challenges remain in accurately assessing the relationship between antioxidant intake and disease prevention5.
Dietary Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Disease
Observational studies consistently find that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. These protective effects may be due to higher dietary fiber intake, replacement of fats and cholesterol, or specific micronutrients with antioxidant properties7. However, the long-term benefits of dietary antioxidants on cardiovascular disease prevention require further investigation through extended and updated studies7.
Antioxidant Supplements and Mortality
Recent large randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews have shown that antioxidant supplements do not prevent cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or death. In some cases, supplements like beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E may even increase mortality8. Consequently, current dietary guidelines do not support the use of antioxidant supplements for chronic disease prevention. The optimal source of antioxidants is a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements8.
Conclusion
While antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and potentially preventing chronic diseases, the evidence supporting the use of antioxidant supplements is inconsistent and sometimes negative. The most reliable approach to harnessing the benefits of antioxidants is through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods. Further research is needed to clarify the efficacy, safety, and appropriate dosage of antioxidants in chronic disease prevention.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A review of the epidemiological evidence for the ‘antioxidant hypothesis’
Antioxidant supplements have not consistently shown benefits in preventing chronic diseases, while increasing plant food consumption is associated with reduced risk.
Literature Review
Highly CitedAntioxidant Phytochemicals for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases
Antioxidant phytochemicals in vegetables and fruits help prevent and treat chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress, offering anticancer, anti-aging, and protective action for cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Highly CitedAntioxidants and Prevention of Chronic Disease
Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases by controlling oxidative stress and reducing free radical damage.
Highly CitedAre Antioxidants Useful in Preventing the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Antioxidants can potentially slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, with pentoxifylline and bardoxolone methyl showing the most significant protection.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalAntioxidant nutrients and chronic disease: use of biomarkers of exposure and oxidative stress status in epidemiologic research.
Antioxidant nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium may help prevent chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress and promoting cellular repair.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedAntioxidants and their role in the prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD), perspective of complementary nursing and medicine: a review.
Antioxidants in the diet, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and iron and zinc, play a significant role in preventing and treating chronic kidney disease by controlling free radicals.
Systematic ReviewDietary Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Disease
Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may help prevent cardiovascular disease, with potential benefits from higher dietary fiber, fats, and cholesterol replacement, or specific micronutrients.
Highly CitedAntioxidant supplements and mortality
Antioxidant supplements do not prevent cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or death, and may even increase mortality in well-nourished populations.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedRole of antioxidants in disease and cancer prevention
Antioxidants may play a role in carcinogenesis and may protect against certain diseases, but their role in chronic disease prevention remains unproven.
Systematic ReviewAdvances on antioxidants in research and applications
Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing and treating various chronic diseases by preventing oxidative stress and maintaining reduction-oxidation equilibrium in the human body.
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