What is the role of antioxidants in health?

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Research Analysis by Consensus

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Introduction

Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, thereby preventing cellular damage caused by free radicals. They play a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing diseases by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). This synthesis explores the role of antioxidants in health, drawing insights from multiple research papers.

Key Insights

Preventing Oxidative Damage:
- Antioxidants prevent damage to DNA, lipids, proteins, and other biomolecules by neutralizing ROS and RNS, which are generated in vivo .
- Endogenous antioxidant defenses are often inadequate, making dietary antioxidants essential for maintaining health .
Dietary Antioxidants:
- Vitamins E and C are strongly supported as key dietary antioxidants, while the evidence for carotenoids and plant phenolics like flavonoids is growing but less conclusive .
- Natural antioxidants found in foods, such as tocopherols, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and flavonoids, play a significant role in scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress .
Health Implications:
- Antioxidants are crucial in preventing chronic diseases by counteracting oxidative stress, although the effectiveness of non-discriminative antioxidant supplements is debated .
- Antioxidants improve immune function and protect against infections by regulating immune cell reactions and reducing inflammation .
Paradoxical Effects:
- Some antioxidants can act as pro-oxidants under certain conditions, increasing oxidative stress and potentially causing harm .
- The role of antioxidant enzymes is complex, with some studies showing increased fitness upon deletion of these enzymes or disease triggered by their overexpression .
Dietary Excess and Immune Response:
- Excessive intake of dietary antioxidants can suppress T helper type 1 immune responses, potentially leading to adverse effects like asthma, allergies, and obesity.
- Chronic antioxidative stress can disrupt redox-sensitive pathways, affecting immune, metabolic, and neuroendocrine processes.

Conclusion

Antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining health by preventing oxidative damage and supporting immune function. While dietary antioxidants like vitamins E and C are essential, the overall impact of antioxidants is complex, with potential paradoxical effects and risks associated with excessive intake. A balanced approach to antioxidant consumption, considering both dietary sources and physiological needs, is crucial for optimizing health benefits.