In recent years there has been a strong interest from consumers in taking an anti-oxidant supplement. Modern society is full of bad habits - from eating at fast food restaurants to smoking and drinking. Often, we do not receive necessary nutrients from our diets and supplements are necessary to provide them. Anti-oxidants, in particular, have been purported to provide a variety of health benefits but do they really stand up to all the hype?



What is an Anti-Oxidant? Anti-oxidants are a combination of organic substances which include a host of vitamins, carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, and minerals. Some believe this powerful group of organics provides such health benefits as preventing heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other illnesses which are often the result of growing older.

How does it work? Proponents of using an anti-oxidant supplement claim that it destroys the harmful free radicals which exist in the human body. These free radicals may be responsible for damaging the body's cells - from the cell walls, to the genetic material in the cells, and all other cell structures. Damage to the cells often leads to a variety of diseases. Anti-oxidants work by destroying these free radicals before they have the chance to do damage.

There have been some studies completed which seemed to show smokers can reduce their risk of lung cancer when put on a diet rich in carotenoids. This is the substance which gives yellow and orange vegetables, like carrots, their bright colour. Additional research seems to show a link between carotenoids and vitamin C and a reduced risk of breast cancer through a decrease in N-nitroso compounds which occur in the body from nitrates. However, the results have been mixed as to the effectiveness of anti-oxidant supplements.

There are some medical practitioners which report good results for elderly patients, smokers, drinkers, immune deficiency patients, and those who frequently take aspirin with the introduction of anti-oxidant supplements. However, it is again hard to make any solid claims without proper research backing them up. Always talk to your physician before beginning a supplement regimen.

Anti-oxidant enzymes are produced naturally in the body. Such substances as glutathione peroxidise, superoxide dismutase, and catalase are naturally occurring anti-oxidants which seek to destroy free radicals. For those who are unable to eat a full diet, lacking in proper nutrition, or with immune system problems, a supplement may be appropriate.

Anti-oxidant supplements usually contain all of these enzymes, in addition to a variety of minerals such as zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium. Vitamins E, C, B2, lutein, lycopene, coenzyme Q10, and cysteine are also included. Many herbs with health benefits like turmeric, ginkgo, grape seed, bilberry, milk thistle and green tea are often part of the mixture. Together these substances provide the maximum in anti-oxidant abilities.

Whether or not an anti-oxidant supplement will help you is really a matter best determined between you and your physician. If you do decide to begin taking anti-oxidant supplements, ensure you deal with a company which enjoys a good reputation.