An abstract mix of food sources containing antioxidants.

Antioxidant Supplements Benefits

Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage by inhibiting the oxidation process in the body. Although oxidation reactions are normal and necessary for the body’s cellular functions, an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants increases the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is considered a potential underlying cause of several degenerative health conditions.1 

The purpose of this article is to provide the answers to common questions about antioxidant supplement benefits and how an advanced nutrient delivery system achieves the benefits of antioxidant supplements through optimal absorption. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.

The Role of Antioxidants

The primary role of antioxidants is to limit free radical-induced damage by —

  • Preventing the formation of free radicals and scavenging them: Antioxidants are stable molecules that donate electrons to free radicals, which neutralizes them and reduces their capacity to cause cellular damage.*
  • Promoting the decomposition of free radicals:  Antioxidants act as peroxide decomposers by neutralizing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, which helps to reduce peroxides to less reactive molecules and prevent the accumulation of harmful peroxides in cells.* 

The body’s antioxidant defense system acts at different levels, including prevention, radical scavenging, repair, and adaptation.* Antioxidants function through two primary mechanisms of action: 

  1. Chain-breaking mechanism: Primary antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, thereby breaking the chain reaction of cellular damage.* 
  1. ROS/ RNS initiator removal: Secondary antioxidants deactivate reactive oxygen or nitrogen species by neutralizing chain-initiating catalysts.*

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Natural Antioxidant Types

Although natural antioxidants are mainly derived from plant sources, they are also found in microorganisms and specific animal tissues. Antioxidants can be categorized2 based on their origins/sources and solubility. The human antioxidant defense system consists of enzymatic scavengers, such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase; hydrophilic scavengers, such as glutathione, ascorbate, flavonoids, and urate; and lipophilic radical scavengers, such as tocopherols, ubiquinol, and carotenoids. 

Non-enzymatic antioxidants are classified into enzyme cofactors, vitamins, minerals, phenolic acids, peptides, and nitrogen compounds. The following table highlights the types of natural antioxidants present both in the human body and in plants. 

Different Types of Natural Antioxidants

*Note: This is not an exhaustive list. 

Exogenous Antioxidants

Endogenous Antioxidants
  • Vitamins: Vitamin C, vitamin E (tocopherols), tocotrienols, and retinol
  • Enzymatic: 
  1. Primary defense system: Glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase
  2. Secondary defense system: Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase
  • Trace Elements: Selenium, zinc, manganese, copper, and iron
  • Non-enzymatic: 
  1. Low molecular weight: 
    1. Lipophilic: Lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and plasmalogen
    2. Hydrophilic: Uric acid, glutathione, bilirubin, melatonin, and amino acids
  2. Metal binding proteins: Ferritin, albumin, metallothionein, and ceruloplasmin
  • Carotenoids: α-Carotene, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and lutein
  
  • Polyphenols: Flavones, flavanones, flavonols, flavanols, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids
  

Antioxidants in Food

A wide variety of natural antioxidants.

Natural antioxidants, particularly those found in red, orange, and purple-colored fruits and vegetables, have high antioxidant activity. Food sources such as oranges, blueberries, lemons, strawberries, prunes, plums, red beans, and broccoli contain high amounts of antioxidants.3 The following table highlights different food types that contain antioxidants. 

Food Sources with High Antioxidant Properties
  • Fruits: Cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, red currants, cherries, figs, guava, pears, oranges, mango, apricots, watermelons, and papaya.
  • Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, carrots, squash, pumpkin, beetroot, radish, kale, tomatoes, asparagus, avocados, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and collard greens are high in antioxidant content.
  • Cereals and nuts: Several compounds in whole grain cereals contain compounds that act as antioxidants. Walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts have the highest antioxidant content. 
  • Dried fruits: Dried fruits with reduced water content have higher antioxidant capacity than fresh fruits. Dried plums, pears, peaches, apples, figs, dates, and raisins are rich in flavanols. 
  • Spices and herbs: Oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, pepper, paprika, cardamom, garlic, thyme, sage, and basil enhance antioxidant levels in the body.  
  • Beverages: Green tea, black tea, apple cider, and red wine have a high polyphenol content that provides potent antioxidant activity.  

Common Antioxidant Supplements

A deficiency of antioxidants can develop due to decreased antioxidant intake, a spike in antioxidant utilization, and reduced production of endogenous enzymes. Certain factors, such as aging, an unhealthy lifestyle, and adverse health conditions, can further deplete the body’s endogenous antioxidant levels, thereby contributing to increased oxidative stress.4 To combat this, antioxidant supplements are becoming increasingly popular for addressing low antioxidant levels and maintaining optimal body function.* 

The following table summarizes some common antioxidant supplements that promote optimal health.*

Common Antioxidant Supplements
  • Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid removes superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, and is necessary for the biosynthesis of carnitine, collagen, and certain neurotransmitters. Vitamin C also regenerates alpha-tocopherol, restoring its antioxidant activity. 
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, with alpha-tocopherol being the most bioactive. Alpha-tocopherol is a peroxyl radical remover in biological lipid phases.*
  • Glutathione:  Glutathione acts as a detoxifying agent and an antioxidant to protect against damage caused by free radicals.* Its activity supports nerve, gastrointestinal, immune, and endocrine function.*
  • Quercetin: The antioxidant properties of quercetin and its role in maintaining the body’s natural inflammatory response promote the health of the heart, kidneys, and immune system.* 
  • Coenzyme Q10: As a fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 limits the toxic effects of free radicals on cardiac cells and promotes normal cardiovascular health.*  
  • Curcumin: This yellow-colored pigment, found in the ginger family, is well known for its antioxidant benefits on musculoskeletal and immune health.* Curcumin also promotes healthy heart, gastrointestinal, and hepatic function.*  
  • Berberine: Berberine plays an important role in glucose maintenance, liver detoxification, weight management, hormonal management, and gut microbiome support.* 
  • Melatonin: Melatonin up-regulates several antioxidative enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase.* Melatonin scavenges the highly toxic hydroxyl radical and enhances intracellular glutathione levels.*
  • Thymoquinone: This lipophilic molecule displays antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties to promote gastrointestinal and neurological health.*  
  • Lipoic acid: This naturally occurring antioxidant provides many therapeutic benefits for immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and neurological health.*

Consuming Antioxidants Through Diet versus Supplements?

A balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, cereal and nuts, dried fruits, spices and herbs, and beverages contains all the antioxidants the body may need. However, as we age, the body’s endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms may be interrupted because of elevated ROS production. Antioxidant intake through the diet alone may not be sufficient to address the depleted levels of endogenous antioxidants in certain populations.  Taking an antioxidant supplement can help maintain an optimal level of antioxidants to counter the adverse effects of ROS on health functions.*  

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Antioxidant Supplements Benefits

The efficacy of antioxidants in their natural state can be significantly affected due to their molecular structure, temperature, physiological properties, and the presence of synergistic and pro-oxidant compounds. Antioxidants with a low molecular weight can lose their ability to scavenge intracellular free radicals. An advanced antioxidant supplement formulation can address these common absorption challenges to better achieve the health benefits of antioxidants. 

The following are some key antioxidant supplements benefits: 

  1. Optimal bioavailability: Whereas antioxidants in their natural state have limited permeability into cell membranes, an advanced antioxidant supplement formulation will enhance the bioavailability of the active nutrient.*
  1. Targeted delivery: Innovative antioxidant supplement formulations utilize various encapsulation techniques to enable the targeted delivery of the active nutrient at the desired point in the intestinal tract. 
  1. Enhanced absorption: The targeted delivery of active nutrients ensures optimal absorption and enhances the efficacy of the antioxidant supplement.  

The safety and efficacy of antioxidant supplements are well-established. In addition, the synthetic forms of antioxidants, such as chemically synthesized L-ascorbic acid and RRR-α-Tocopherol, were found to be bioequivalent to their natural forms, vitamins C and E, respectively.

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Innovative Formulations that Achieve the Benefits of Antioxidant Supplements

The bioavailability and absorption of antioxidants depend on the encapsulation technique and the type of nutrient delivery system. Lipid emulsions, including microemulsions and nanoemulsions, are preferred antioxidant delivery systems because of their biocompatibility, relative stability, and minimal biodegradability. Nano-delivery systems are among the most effective routes to encapsulate and release the active nutrient at the target site in the body. 

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Antioxidant Supplements Developed by Tesseract Medical Research

The powerful antioxidant supplements developed by Tesseract Medical Research are formulated for optimal absorption and efficacy. These advanced formulations contain potent botanical extracts with proven antioxidant effects that promote health and wellness.* 

Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology encases individual antioxidant molecules in its smart delivery system, protecting them from early degradation during transit through the stomach. The accompanying DexKey® reactors release the antioxidant molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract for maximized absorption. 

With unprecedented absorption capabilities, an antioxidant supplement can be taken in less than the traditional amounts to achieve the same desired therapeutic outcomes. Enhanced bioavailability, maximum absorption, and micro-dosing of active nutrients in Tesseract’s advanced formulations readily achieve the benefits of their antioxidant supplements.*

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The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing absorption and bioavailability, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Visit our website for more information about how Tesseract’s products can support healthy aging.*

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Citations:

1Simonian NA, et al. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 1996;36:83-106. doi:10.1146/annurev.pa.36.040196.000503

2Kurutas EB. The importance of antioxidants which play the role in cellular response against oxidative/nitrosative stress: current state.” Nutrition Journal vol. 15,1 71. 25 Jul. 2016, doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0186-5

3Lobo V, et al. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy Reviews vol. 4,8 (2010):118-126. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.70902

4Junqueira VB, Barros SB, Chan SS, et al. Aging and oxidative stress. Mol Aspects Med. 2004;25(1-2):5-16. doi:10.1016/j.mam.2004.02.003

Al Czap, Founder | Tesseract

Al Czap has more than four decades of professional experience in preventative medicine. He founded Thorne Research in 1984 (sold in 2010) and he published Alternative Medicine Review for 17 years beginning in 1996. AMR was a highly acclaimed, peer-reviewed, and indexed medical journal. Al was the first to recognize the need for hypoallergenic ingredients and to devise methods of manufacture for and delivery of hypoallergenic products to underserved patient populations. His work has greatly impacted those with impaired immune and digestive systems and compromised health due to environmental exposures.

The advanced formulations based on our revolutionary, patented, and patent-pending technology are only available through Tesseract. No other medical, pharmaceutical, or supplement company is licensed to utilize our proprietary technology.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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