Anti-oxidanten

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body against free radical damage.
Vrije radicalen ontstaan onder andere door stofwisseling, vervuiling, roken, stress en UV-straling.
When these particles build up, they can damage cells, proteins and DNA — a process known as oxidative stress.

How do antioxidants work?

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron. This makes these unstable molecules harmless,
which contributes to the maintenance of healthy cells and tissues.

Types of antioxidants

1. Enzymatic antioxidants
   • Examples: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, catalase
2. Niet-enzymatische antioxidanten
   • Examples: vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids

Antioxidants from food or supplements

Antioxidants occur naturally in vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
Supplements are often used to specifically increase intake when nutrition is insufficient.

Benefits of Antioxidant Supplements

• Higher concentrated doses
• Convenience and consistent intake

Points of attention

• Overdose can have adverse effects
• Possible interactions with medication

Authorized health claims (EFSA)

• Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress
• Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress
• Zinc contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress
• Selenium contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress
• Copper contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress

These claims may only be used if the supplement meets European quantity standards.

Popular antioxidants in supplement form

1. Resveratrol
2. Co-enzym Q10
3. Glutathione
4. Alpha-liponzuur (ALA)
5. Astaxanthin

Not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle

Antioxidant supplements are intended to supplement — not replace — healthy diet, exercise, sleep and stress management.