Antioxidants play a vital role in protecting your body from oxidative stress, a key contributor to aging and chronic health concerns. While starting your day with a nutrient-packed green smoothie or having a colorful salad for lunch are great habits, is it providing your body with all the antioxidants it needs? And when diet alone falls short, what are the best antioxidant supplements to consider?
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to common questions about antioxidant supplements, including how they counter oxidative stress, promote healthy aging, and leverage advanced antioxidant supplement formulations for optimal absorption. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
What are Antioxidants?
During normal cellular metabolism, our body produces unstable and reactive molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are also produced when our body responds to external factors, such as pollution, tobacco smoke, and radiation. An accumulation of free radicals can adversely alter lipids, proteins, DNA, and other cellular components, potentially leading to degenerative conditions.
‘Antioxidants’ is a broad term for any compound that neutralizes free radicals, preventing their harmful effects. The antioxidants produced by our body (endogenous antioxidants) are classified into enzymatic and non-enzymatic types. Vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols are exogenous antioxidants derived from dietary sources or supplements. The following diagram highlights the classification and examples of antioxidants.
How do Antioxidants Counter Free Radicals?
Chemically, free radicals contain an unpaired electron in their molecular structures that they can either donate or accept, thus acting as an oxidant or a reducing agent. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), reactive chlorine species, and reactive sulfur species are common free radicals generated both during normal cellular metabolism and in response to external soucees like pollution, UV radiation, and smoking.
Because free radicals lack a full complement of electrons, they can “steal” electrons from other biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. This process, known as oxidative damage, compromises the structure and function of these biomoleculates, potentially leading to cellular dysfunction and disease. Antioxidants give up some of their electrons to neutralize free radicals, thereby breaking the chain reactions that perpetuate oxidative stress at the cellular level.
Oxidative stress arises when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, tipping the scale in favor of free radicales. This imbalance is a critical factor in the development of numerous adverse health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and premature aging.
Notably, antioxidants differ in their capacity to scavenge free radicals, and their activities are significantly correlated with the presence of specific active groups, such as hydroxyl (OH) and amine (NH2) groups. The following table summarizes some common mechanisms through which antioxidants counter free radicals.
How do Antioxidants Counter Free Radicals? |
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|---|---|
| Scavenging free radicals: Primary antioxidants actively inhibit oxidation reactions by scavenging ROS/RNS. | |
| Sequestering transition metal ions: Chelators are a class of secondary antioxidants that bind to transition metal ions and marginalize their reactivity. | |
| Decomposing hydrogen peroxides or hydroperoxides: Some preventative antioxidants reduce hydroperoxides and hydrogen peroxide to alcohol and water without generating free radicals. | |
| Enhancing endogenous antioxidant defense: Endogenous antioxidants, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), regenerate vitamin C from its precursor dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). | |
| Repairing cellular damage: Antioxidant activities include activating transcription factors, such as Nrf2, that activate endogenous antioxidant enzymes to repair cellular damage. |
Secondary antioxidants indirectly counter free radicals, including maintaining the body’s natural inflammatory response, inducing protective factors, inhibiting ROS-inducing enzymes (such as xanthine oxidase), and regulating redox-sensitive signal transduction pathways.
Antioxidants and Healthy Aging
Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological functions, increasing vulnerability to chronic diseases and contributing the natural aging process. One of the key drivers of age-associated changes, including physical impairment and cognitive decline, is mitochondrial dysfunction triggered by oxidative stress. When oxidative stress disrupts their function, it accelerates cellular aging and impairs overall health
Research1 highlights that free radical damage to cells is a major factor behind these undesirable changes associated with aging. By enhancing the body’s antioxidant defense systems, it is possible to mitigate free radical damage, protect mitochondrial integrity, and promote healthy aging. Incorporating adequate antioxidant support into a health regimen may help improve quality of life and slow age-related decline.
Antioxidants in Food
Research2 has demonstrated that conditions related to oxidative stress can be ameliorated by consuming foods rich in antioxidants. Many natural foods, especially those with at least 0.1% antioxidant content, offer significant properties and may be considered beneficial dietary sources of antioxidants. A well-rounded diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, teas, and even moderate amounts of wine provides an abundant array of antioxidants, including vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols.
The following table highlights some common food sources with high antioxidant properties.
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Food Sources with High Antioxidant Properties |
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|---|---|---|
| Fruits: Cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, red currants, cherries, figs, guava, pears, oranges, mango, apricots, watermelons, and papaya contain vitamin C, anthocyanins, lycopene, and carotenoids. | ||
| 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 flavonols such as quercetin and phenolic acids. | ||
| Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, carrots, squash, pumpkin, beetroot, radish, kale, tomatoes, asparagus, avocados, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and collard greens are high in carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene), sulforaphane, and vitamin C. | ||
| Cereals and nuts: Wholegrain cereals contain phenolic compounds, while nuts like walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts are particularly high in polyphenols and vitamin E. | ||
| Spices and herbs: Oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, pepper, paprika, cardamom, garlic, thyme, sage, and basil not only add flavor to meals but are also rich in antioxidants like curcumin and allicin. | ||
| Beverages: Green tea, black tea, apple cider, and red wine have high polyphenol content, including catechins and resveratrol. |
Considerations for Antioxidant Supplements in Your Routine
When endogenous antioxidant defenses are insufficient to protect the body against ROS, supplementation with exogenous antioxidants may help bridge that gap. As we age, the body’s natural antioxidant defense mechanisms are interrupted by elevated ROS production, leading to oxidative stress and its associated health impacts. Nutritional supplements can help replenish the depleted levels of endogenous antioxidants and counter the adverse effects of ROS on cellular and physiological functions.*
Supplementing with antioxidants has shown potential to delay or ameliorate lifestyle- or age-related health conditions driven by oxidative stress.* The safety and efficacy of antioxidant supplements are well-established with synthetic forms of antioxidants, such as chemically synthesized L-ascorbic acid and RRR-α-Tocopherol, being bioequivalent to their natural forms, vitamins C and E, respectively.
Absorption of Antioxidant Supplement Formulations
A wide range of factors, including molecular structure, temperature, physiological properties, and the presence of synergistic and pro-oxidant compounds, determines the efficacy of antioxidant compounds. The low molecular weight of certain antioxidants can lose their ability to scavenge free radicals inside cells.
Antioxidant activities are limited by absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicology processes. The poor absorption of antioxidant supplement formulations is primarily caused by:
- Limited permeability into cell membranes.
- Degradation in the stomach and intestines.
Delivery Technology in Advanced Antioxidant Supplements
Various approaches can enhance the bioavailability and absorption of antioxidants to maximize their effectiveness. There are several ways of encapsulating antioxidants, and selecting the appropriate delivery system is critical to optimize antioxidant absorption and activity.
Among all antioxidant delivery systems, lipid emulsions are commonly preferred owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and relative stability. Emulsions, nanoemulsions, and microemulsions are considered excellent delivery systems for enhancing the bioavailability of antioxidants and minimizing their undesired actions on other cells and tissues.
Antioxidant supplements formulated with nano-delivery systems are among3 the most effective in encapsulating the active ingredient and gradually releasing it at the target site.
What are the Top Antioxidant Nutrients?
Not all antioxidant supplements are the same, and each one plays a role in supporting various health functions. So, what are the top antioxidant nutrients? The following table highlights some of the common, commercially available, and top antioxidant nutrients that have been observed to limit oxidative stress and boost the body’s antioxidant defense mechanism.*
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Top Antioxidant Nutrients |
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|---|---|
| Glutathione: Glutathione, also called master antioxidant, acts as a detoxifying agent and antioxidant to protect against damage caused by free radicals, and supports nervous, gastrointestinal, immune, and endocrine systems.* | |
| Coenzyme Q10: As a fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 limits the toxic effects of free radicals on cardiac cells and promotes cardiovascular health.* | |
| Lipoic acid: This naturally occurring antioxidant provides many therapeutic benefits for immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, reproductive, and neurological health.* | |
| Quercetin: The antioxidant properties of quercetin and its role in maintaining the body’s natural inflammatory response promote heart and kidney health, as well as normal immune function for seasonal changes.* | |
| Thymoquinone: This lipophilic molecule displays antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties that promote gastrointestinal and neurological health.* | |
| Curcumin: This yellow-colored pigment is known for its beneficial antioxidant effects on musculoskeletal and immune health.* Curcumin also promotes healthy heart, gastrointestinal, and hepatic functions.* | |
| Berberine: Berberine plays a role in glucose maintenance, liver detoxification, weight management, hormonal management, and gut microbiome support to promote endocrine and cardiometabolic health.* |
Optimized Antioxidant Supplements Developed by Tesseract Medical Research
What defines an effective antioxidant supplement? The answer lies in the optimal bioavailability and absorption of a supplement formulation’s active ingredients.
The antioxidant supplements developed by Tesseract Medical Research are formulated for optimal absorption and efficacy. Tesseract formulations contain potent botanical extracts with proven antioxidant effects to promote your 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, antioxidant supplements can be taken in smaller amounts to achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes. Enhanced bioavailability, maximum absorption, and micro-dosing of active nutrients set Tesseract formulations apart as highly effective antioxidant supplements.*
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 supplements can support . Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can support your health*
Citations:
1Lobo V, et al. “Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health.” Pharmacognosy Reviews 4,8 (2010):118-126. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.70902
2Pisoschi AM, et al. Antioxidant capacity determination in plants and plant-derived products: A review. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2016 (2016):9130976. doi:10.1155/2016/9130976
3Vaiserman A, et al. Nanodelivery of natural antioxidants: An anti-aging perspective. Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology 7;447. 10 Jan. 2020, doi:10.3389/fbioe.2019.00447
