Antioxidants

Why Antioxidants are relevant

Every cell in the body is constantly exposed to Oxidative Stress: it is an unavoidable consequence of aerobic metabolism. The body has endogenous antioxidant defences — enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase — but these are not always sufficient when the oxidative load increases due to environmental, nutritional or physiological factors.

Exogenous Antioxidants, introduced through the Diet or through specific Supplements, act in a way that is complementary to the Endogenous systems: they broaden the body’s total Antioxidant Capacity and protect specific biological compartments — the Lipid Membranes, the Intracellular Aqueous Compartment, the Ocular Tissues, the Nervous System.

Classification

Antioxidants are classified according to various criteria. The most relevant for Nutraceutical formulation is Solubility:

• Water-Soluble Antioxidants — act in the intracellular and plasma aqueous compartment. The main ones: Vitamin C, Glutathione, Uric Acid, Water-Soluble Polyphenols (Anthocyanins, Catechins).
• Fat-Soluble Antioxidants — concentrate in the lipid membranes and in adipose tissue. The main ones: Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), Beta-carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Coenzyme Q10, Astaxanthin.

An alternative classification distinguishes between:

• Enzymatic Antioxidants — produced by the body: superoxide dismutase (requires Zinc, Copper, Manganese), Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase (requires Selenium). Their functioning depends on the availability of the Cofactor Micronutrients.
• Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants — molecules that act directly by scavenging radicals: Vitamins, Polyphenols, Carotenoids, Glutathione, Coenzyme Q10.

Main families of Nutraceutical Antioxidants

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) — Water-soluble antioxidant with an EFSA-approved claim for the protection of cells from Oxidative Stress. It is also a cofactor in the synthesis of Marine Collagen and regenerates oxidised vitamin E, creating a synergistic Antioxidant System.

Polyphenols — a broad family of Phytochemical Compounds (Flavonoids, Stilbenes, Phenolic Acids, Lignans) with marked Antioxidant properties. Their effectiveness depends on the specific chemical structure and on bioavailability, which varies considerably among the different molecules.

Carotenoids — Fat-Soluble Plant Pigments. Lutein and Zeaxanthin concentrate in the Macula of the Eye, protecting the retina from the Oxidative Stress induced by Blue Light. Beta-Carotene is a precursor of Vitamin A and a Lipid Antioxidant.

Glutathione — Endogenous Tripeptide and the main Intracellular Antioxidant. The Liposomal and Reduced supplement forms show the best oral bioavailability. A key role in Hepatic Detoxification.

Selenomethionine — the organic form of Selenium, an indispensable cofactor of Glutathione Peroxidase. It ensures the efficiency of the entire enzymatic antioxidant system.

Zinc — a cofactor of Superoxide Dismutase; it contributes to the protection of cells from Oxidative Stress (EFSA-approved claim).

Formulation Synergies

Antioxidants do not act in isolation: they support and regenerate one another. Oxidised vitamin E is regenerated by Vitamin C; Glutathione keeps Vitamin C in its active reduced form; Coenzyme Q10 is regenerated by vitamin E itself. This network of relationships is the basis of the synergistic approach in the formulation of multi-component Antioxidant Supplements, which are more effective than single isolated molecules at equivalent doses.

Taking Antioxidants at high doses does not have proportionally greater effects compared with moderate doses, and in some physiological conditions — such as the phases of adaptation to high-intensity training — an excess of exogenous antioxidants could interfere with the mechanisms of the cellular adaptive response. It is advisable to assess the context of use with a professional before undertaking systematic high-dose antioxidant supplementation.

We always remind you that it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment.