Oxidative Stress is a form of physiological stress caused by an imbalance between the production and accumulation of free radicals in cells and tissues and the level of antioxidants that are able to defend against them. When they are in excess and are not quelled, free radicals can damage cells and tissues and contribute to many health complaints. Factors that increase the production of free radicals in the body can be internal, such as inflammation, infection, ageing and stress; or external, for example, pollution, pesticides UV exposure, and cigarette smoke.
We can obtain antioxidants from our food - not just vitamins and minerals, but also from the broad array of phytonutrients that exist in the plant kingdom. Antioxidants are abundant in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices and eating a healthy balanced diet is always recommended in order to obtain protective phytonutrients from all the different groups that occur in natural edible plants. Meeting our requirements can however be challenging as western dietary habits and often the low intake of fresh foods can make for a poor antioxidant status. Supplementation can therefore provide additional support in a safe and effective way, safeguarding against any shortfalls.
Antioxidants form three lines of defence:
- 1st line - antioxidant enzymes are made in the body, and contain an atom of selenium, zinc, manganese, copper or iron.
- 2nd line - antioxidant micronutrients are obtained from our diet. These include vitamins A, C and E. Co-enzyme Q10, flavonoids and carotenoids are important vitamin-like compounds that also have antioxidant properties.
- 3rd line - antioxidant compounds are formed in the body and are made up from elements in the diet. These include melatonin, glutathione, oestrogen, lipoic acid and others.
Our bodies need a range of antioxidants and here at Cytoplan we provide the very best antioxidant supplements for health including a choice of antioxidant vitamins and minerals, herbs and phytonutrients. These come in a range of single antioxidant supplements or synergistic formulations that provide a wide sphere of antioxidant activity and for more targeted support.
We always aim to use the most bioeffective forms of nutrients in our products and so certain nutrients within our range are available in liposomal form where activity is needed intracellularly as liposomal forms cross cell walls. The liposome provides protection from digestion and enables transport across cell membranes, making it a highly bioavailable and bioeffective form. We use this form in our Cell-Active Curcumin Plus (liposomal curcumin) and Cell-Active Glutathione (liposomal glutathione). We also include the R-form of alpha lipoic acid, which is the active and natural form. Other antioxidants in our range such as vitamin C are available in Food State and Wholefood forms, which come complete with naturally occurring bioflavonoids, that support absorption, retention and function.
How do antioxidants work?
An antioxidant is a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals, which are highly reactive and can cause damage to our cells and tissues. Free radicals steal electrons from other molecules and damage those molecules in the process. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals by donating some of their own electrons, helping to prevent or slow down cell damage.
What are the best antioxidants?
What are the benefits of antioxidants?
Antioxidants can help to protect the body by preventing or slowing cell damage caused by free radicals. Cell damage can contribute to many diseases and accelerated ageing.
