However, much of the research on supplementation has been largely inconclusive.
When it comes to antioxidants, a food-first approach is your best bet at getting the most benefit.
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Getty Images / Javi Sanz
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asNSF,U.S.
What Do Antioxidant Supplements Do?
Antioxidants are substances in the body that protect us fromfree radicals.
Free radicals may form from things like cigarette smoke, air pollution, sun exposure, and poor diet.
They can damage cells in the body.
No single antioxidant can do the work of all antioxidants.
Also, antioxidants are not interchangeableeach is unique and has different pathways and actions.
Antioxidant supplements contain vitamins and minerals that some consider to have antioxidant effects.
In high doses, they can even be harmful.
People with depression or anxiety should discuss a treatment approach with their healthcare providers.
However, no evidence supports taking antioxidant supplements to help prevent or treat these conditions.
Some common drug-supplement interactions include:
Examples of Antioxidants
The following antioxidant nutrients are considered essential.
Therefore, a minimum requirement or Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is set for these nutrients.
The RDA is the average amount a person should consume each day.
In addition to essential nutrients, several other compounds work as antioxidants.
They can be found in foods or dietary supplements.
Supplements may come in the form of a single antioxidant or a blend of multiple antioxidants.
Antioxidant-rich foods are listed in the table below.
For example:
Summary
Antioxidants protect against a buildup of free radicals that can lead to disease.
Antioxidant supplements are often marketed for multiple health claims.
However, most research does not support taking them for disease prevention.
In some cases, taking high amounts of antioxidant supplements can even be harmful to your health.
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