antioxidants

Last reviewed 01/2018

Antioxidants are molecules which:

• inhibit free radical formation
• inhibit free radical propagation

Examples include:

• vitamin E
• cysteine
• glutathione
• caeruloplasmin
• transferrin

A meta-analysis stated that:

• the authors found no evidence to support antioxidant supplements for primary or secondary prevention
  • vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin E may increase mortality
  • the data concerning vitamin C and selenium were inconclusive

Reference:

• 1. BJelakovic G et al. Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Apr 16;(2):CD007176.