Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances, either natural or manufactured, that may prevent or limit cell damage caused by unstable particles called free radicals. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals -- giving them electrons. Antioxidants may also be able to undo some cell damage.^[1,2,4]

Types of antioxidants

Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, lycopene, and beta-carotene are examples of antioxidants.

Free radicals

Free radicals are groups of atoms that are produced when oxygen interacts with certain molecules, thereby setting off a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from the damage caused when they react with DNA, and other cell components. Cells can die off, or stop functioning correctly, when this occurs. Antioxidants are the body's defense system against free radical damage.

Free radicals can be formed by:

Sun exposure
Cigarette smoke
Alcohol consumption
Air pollution
Exercise
Inflammation
Drug abuse

Cells damaged by free radicals may be at risk for developing cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.^[1]

Sources

Antioxidant Food Sources

The body makes some antioxidants and gets others from food to combat free radicals.^[4] It's important to eat a well-balanced diet to help you get the antioxidants you need.

Good sources of antioxidants

Category	Examples
Fruit	Strawberries, oranges, cantaloupe, watermelon
Vegetables	Broccoli, tomatoes, kale, carrots
Dairy	Milk, butter, eggs
Meat	Fish, chicken, beef, turkey
Legumes and oils	Nuts, seeds, oils, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, corn oil
Carbohydrates	Bread and pasta
Cereals	Whole wheat, rice, corn

Supplements can also be a good source of antioxidants.

Do antioxidants work

Antioxidants: Selenium

Although eating fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of developing certain diseases, researchers can't tell for sure if the presence of antioxidants is the reason. It could also be that people who eat more fruits and vegetables also have a healthier lifestyle, eat healthier overall, exercise, and don't smoke.^[2]

Many well-organized studies, involving numerous subjects, have looked at the effect of antioxidant supplements on diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cataract prevention.They found that overall, antioxidants are not beneficial.^[2]

But, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), led by the National Eye Institute and co-sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, found that antioxidant supplementation could be beneficial. Researchers discovered that a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene) and zinc significantly reduced the risk of developing advanced-stage, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) for people who had intermediate stage (ARMD) and advanced stage in only one eye.

However, the use of antioxidants without zinc was less effective and the antioxidants didn't effect cataract development.^{[2, 4]}

More research is being done to discover antioxidants' effects on Alzheimer's disease, breast, and prostate cancers.^[2]

Each antioxidant is different, so getting one or two types is not enough. They work together to provide better all-round health. That's why healthy eating, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and oils, still beats supplements -- even in high doses -- in helping to prevent disease.^[2]

Drug interactions

Antioxidants may interact with some medications, potentially altering their effects. Do not take vitamin E if you are on blood thinners as they may cause bleeding. Ask your doctor before taking antioxidants if you are undergoing cancer treatment.^[2]

Safety issues and other considerations

Supplements can act like drugs if they are used in large amounts. Take as directed.

Inform your healthcare provider of all supplements and complementary care you use. Discuss proper dosages, particular to your symptoms and medical history.

Herbs and other supplements aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Product safety and consistency aren't guaranteed. Effects may vary according to brand and batch.

Antioxidant studies have not lasted long enough to gauge their effectiveness in cancer treatment and prevention.^[4]

Antioxidant supplements should not be used as a food replacement.

Avoid using antioxidant supplements as the sole treatment for symptoms or disease. Consult a licensed healthcare provider for evaluation and advice.

Purchase antioxidants from reputable companies only.

Although we don't directly sell these antioxidants, you can compare different brands, quality, and price here at PricePlow.

References

FamilyDoctor.org; "Antioxidants: What You Need to Know;" 2010
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; "Antioxidants and Health: An Introduction;" Get the Facts; National Institutes of Health;" Updated 2012
National Cancer Institute; "Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention Fact Sheet"
Harvard School of Public Health; "Antioxidants: Beyond the Hype"
Rice; "Antioxidants and Free Radicals; Updated 1996

By Mike

Antioxidant News on PricePlow

Blog Posts

Videos

New Products

Sep 14, 2022

Product News
Super Nutrition Men's Blend Antioxidant-Rich Multivitamin was created.
Categories: Antioxidants, Men's Multivitamins

Sep 07, 2022

Product News
Puritan's Pride Q-Sorb CoQ10 Plus Red Yeast Rice was created.
Categories: CoQ10, Red Yeast Rice

Sep 06, 2022

Product News
Solaray Lutein Eyes Triple Strength has new variations:

30 Vcaps - 18mg

Category: Lutein

Aug 22, 2022

YouTube Video
SPERMIDINE ?! Core Longevity EXPLAINED

Jul 29, 2022

Product News
EVLution Nutrition CoQ10 was created.
Category: CoQ10

Jul 29, 2022

Product News
EVLution Nutrition Quercetin500 was created.
Category: Quercetin

Jul 24, 2022

Product News
Garden of Life Dr Formulated - Quercetin Recovery was created.
Category: Quercetin

Jul 22, 2022

Product News
Force Factor Test X180 Ignite has new variations:

120 Tablets

Category: Acai Berry

Jul 21, 2022

Product News
Nordic Naturals ProMacular Defense was created.
Category: Antioxidants

Jul 21, 2022

Product News
Nordic Naturals CoQ10 Gummies was created.
Category: CoQ10

Jul 21, 2022

Product News
Nordic Naturals Nordic CoQ10 Ubiquinol was created.
Categories: CoQ10, Ubiquinol

Jun 23, 2022

Product News
KAL Quercetin Reacta-C Bromelain was created.
Categories: Bromelain, Quercetin

Jun 22, 2022

Product News
KAL Resveratrol was created.
Category: Resveratrol

Jun 22, 2022

Product News
KAL R-Lipoic Acid was created.
Category: Alpha Lipoic Acid

Jun 16, 2022

Product News
KAL Alpha Lipoic Acid was created.
Category: Alpha Lipoic Acid

Jun 14, 2022

Product News
Life Extension Mix Tablets without Copper was created.
Category: Quercetin

Jun 14, 2022

Product News
Life Extension Bio-Quercetin was created.
Category: Quercetin

Jun 13, 2022

Product News
HumanN Tart Cherry Gummies was created.
Category: Cherry Extract

Jun 09, 2022

Product News
Source Naturals Tocotrienol was created.
Categories: Antioxidants, Vitamin E

May 29, 2022

Product News
NOW Cherry Concentrate has new variations:

Category: Cherry Extract

May 29, 2022

Product News
NOW Black Cherry was created.
Category: Cherry Extract

May 24, 2022

Product News
Nature's Bounty Co Q-10 was created.
Category: CoQ10

May 20, 2022

Product News
Source Naturals R-Lipoic Acid has new variations:

120 Tablets - 100 mg

Category: Alpha Lipoic Acid

May 08, 2022

Product News
GNC Natural Brand - Lutein was created.
Category: Lutein

Mar 29, 2022

Product News
Nature's Way Smart Q10 (CoQ10) was created.
Category: CoQ10

Mar 26, 2022

Product News
Nature's Way Alpha Betic - Alpha Lipioc Acid was created.
Category: Alpha Lipoic Acid

Mar 24, 2022

YouTube Video
MitoGreens: Ergothioneine-Based Superfood Greens Ingredient

Mar 15, 2022

Product News
Jarrow Formulas PomeGreat has new variations:

12 Oz. - Juice Concentrate

Category: Pomegranate

Mar 14, 2022

YouTube Video
GLAXON'S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH | NAD+ SYNERGY

Mar 12, 2022

Product News
Solaray CoQ-10 was created.
Category: CoQ10

Mar 09, 2022

YouTube Video
GHOST HYDRATION | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mar 09, 2022

Product News
Source Naturals Pycnogenol Supreme was created.
Category: Pycnogenol

Feb 22, 2022

Blog Post
The Smüthe Company: Boost Your Protein Shakes, Smoothies, and Food!
Amplify your shakes, smoothies, and food with The Smüthe Company’s drink boosts! Add trademarked ingredients to boost health without impacting diet!

Feb 22, 2022

Product News
Solaray Mega Quercetin was created.
Category: Quercetin

Feb 22, 2022

Product News
Solaray Quercetin was created.
Category: Quercetin

Feb 12, 2022

Product News
Only Natural 100% Pure Standardized Noni was created.
Category: Noni Juice

Feb 10, 2022

Blog Post
MitoGreens: Ergothioneine-Amplified Antioxidant Blend by NNB Nutrition
NNB Nutrition’s MitoGreens is an antioxidant-packed powerhouse for supplement formulators, amplified with the immunity protection of ergothioneine!

Jan 30, 2022

Product News
MacroLife Naturals Macro Reds has new variations:

7.1 Oz. - Berri

Category: Antioxidants

Jan 30, 2022

Product News
Life Extension Grapeseed Extract with Resveratrol and Pterostilbene was created.
Categories: Grape Seed Extract, Resveratrol

Jan 30, 2022

Product News
Life Extension Resveratrol was created.
Category: Resveratrol

Jan 29, 2022

Product News
Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator was created.
Category: Resveratrol

Jan 21, 2022

Product News
Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract - CoQ10 was created.
Categories: CoQ10, Garlic

Dec 22, 2021

Product News
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Quercetin Drop Uric Acid was created.
Category: Quercetin

Dec 20, 2021

Blog Post
Zinc Picolinate: A Highly Bioavailable Form of Zinc
Zinc Picolinate is a high-bioavailability zinc supplement that has outperformed other forms of zinc thanks to its picolinic acid. Learn about Zinmax!

Dec 19, 2021

Product News
Nature's Way Tart Cherry Ultra was created.
Category: Cherry Extract

Dec 19, 2021

Product News
NutraBio Quercetin Advanced was created.
Category: Quercetin

Dec 15, 2021

YouTube Video
A MITOCHONDRIA-Boosting Pre Workout Idea for CLEAN Energy

Dec 14, 2021

Product News
Doctor's Best Trans-Resveratrol 600 was created.
Category: Trans Resveratrol

Dec 14, 2021

Product News
Doctor's Best Trans-Resveratrol 100 was created.
Category: Trans Resveratrol

Dec 13, 2021

Product News
Doctor's Best High Absorption CoQ10 plus PQQ has new variations:

60 Vcaps

Category: CoQ10

Nov 23, 2021

YouTube Video
PEScience Reds & Blues: Better Than Greens?!

Nov 21, 2021

Product News
Carlson ACES Antioxidants was created.
Category: Antioxidants

Oct 23, 2021

Product News
Irwin Naturals CoQ10-RED was created.
Category: CoQ10

Oct 15, 2021

Product News
MacroLife Naturals Miracle Reds has new variations:

60 Servings - (20oz.)

Category: Antioxidants

Sep 10, 2021

Product News
Axe & Sledge Daily Cleanse was created.
Category: Antioxidants

Aug 27, 2021

Blog Post
Ergothioneine: The Immunity and Energy Protector
Ergothioneine is a unique, natural anti-inflammatory antioxidant that scavenges free radicals better than Vitamin C, Glutathione, and Coenzyme Q10!

Jul 28, 2021

Product News
Force Factor Pine Bark was created.
Category: Pycnogenol

Jul 28, 2021

Product News
NOW Organic Raw Cacao Powder was created.
Category: Cacao

Jul 13, 2021

Blog Post
Formulator’s Corner #03: A Health-Enhanced COFFEE
Looking for a more healthy coffee? We have a formulation that brands should try to create - and in it, we introduce a new ingredient: ergothioneine!

Jun 25, 2021

Product News
SNS Amentoflavone XT was created.
Category: Amentoflavone

Apr 26, 2021

YouTube Video
SERENITY V2 by Glaxon!

Mar 06, 2021

YouTube Video
Your First Blood Sugar Supplement! Myprotein Glucose Support

Feb 23, 2021

Product News
MRM CoQ-10 Resveratrol Red Yeast Rice was created.
Category: CoQ10

Feb 09, 2021

Product News
Fortified Nutrition Evolved Bar was created.
Category: Dark Chocolate

Feb 07, 2021

Product News
ProSource CoQ10 was created.
Category: CoQ10

Jan 05, 2021

YouTube Video
Meet The New and Improved Animal Pak | The Product That Started A Brand

Jan 05, 2021

YouTube Video
Tetrahydrocurcumin (CurcuPrime): A Curcumin That Feels BETTER

Dec 22, 2020

Product News
HumanN SuperGrapes chews was created.
Category: Grape Seed Extract

Nov 27, 2020

Product News
Predator Nutrition Amentoflavone was created.
Category: Amentoflavone

Nov 27, 2020

Product News
Predator Nutrition Trans-Resveratrol was created.
Category: Trans Resveratrol

Nov 24, 2020

YouTube Video
Universal Animal Greens Review | Dislike The Taste of Greens? Try This!

Nov 13, 2020

Product News
ForestLeaf Quercetin Bromelain was created.
Categories: Allergy Relief, Bromelain, Immune System Supplements, Quercetin, Stinging Nettle

Nov 02, 2020

Product News
Doctor's Best Lutein was created.
Category: Lutein

Oct 29, 2020

Product News
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Quercetin was created.
Category: Quercetin

Oct 21, 2020

YouTube Video
Immune Just Went Hardcore. | Animal Immune Breakdown

Oct 02, 2020

Product News
ReserveAge Acai Fruition with Resveratrol was created.
Category: Acai Berry

Aug 27, 2020

Blog Post
NNB Nutrition CurcuPrime: Curcumin’s Better Half for Dieters
CurcuPrime is a trademarked form of tetrahydrocurcumin and shows some potent antioxidant, blood glucose regulatory, liver, and cardiovascular benefits!

Jul 23, 2020

Blog Post
Tetrahydrocurcumin: A More Potent Alternative to Curcumin?
Tetrahydrocurcumin is a metabolite of curcumin, and helps to solve curcumin's bioavailability issues. 4-HC is more active for blood sugar and lipids.

Jul 16, 2020

YouTube Video
Ghost GLOW Product Breakdown: Look Good, Feel Great!

May 16, 2020

YouTube Video
LESS STRESS - MORE GAINZ | Glaxon Serenity Breakdown and Review

Apr 23, 2020

YouTube Video
NutraBio IMMUNE: All-in-One Immune System Supplement!

Mar 26, 2020

Blog Post
Kaged Muscle Hydra-Charge Now Hydrates in Pink Lemonade
Kaged Muscle's Hydra-Charge now comes in PINK LEMONADE flavor. Read the INSANE origins of this flavor, and what makes Hydra-Charge so incredible!

Mar 17, 2020

YouTube Video
Make your workout BE AMAZING | BEAM Pre-Workout

Mar 13, 2020

Giveaway Contest
@SteelFitUSA Couldn't have picked a better time to release this product, and YOU couldn't have...

Feb 03, 2020

Blog Post
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): The Cognitive-Boosting Antioxidant
Come find out if alpha lipoic acid has a role in your anti-aging stack. If you need appetite control and neuroprotection, look no further!

Jan 28, 2020

YouTube Video
CONTROL Blood Sugar! | Revive MD Glucose RX

Dec 31, 2019

Blog Post
Kaged Muscle Hydra-Charge: Hydration or Flavor System? How about BOTH!
Kaged Muscle's Hydra-Charge is a well-known electrolyte system with added endurance and antioxidant effects, but did you know it started as a FLAVOR?!

Oct 05, 2019

Blog Post
Revive MD Turmeric+: For the Pursuit of Perfection in the Face of Pain
Revive MD's Turmeric+ is an all-encompassing anti-inflammation supplement with five potent natural ingredients, bringing a TWO month supply!

Jun 26, 2019

YouTube Video
SteelFit Multi-V Multivitamin Powder: MORE Than Just a Multi!

May 10, 2019

Giveaway Contest
Tag a high-energy music lover! We have a giveaway directly from @SteveAoki's stash -- his new...

Feb 04, 2019

Giveaway Contest
FREE samples of the BEST Blueberry Muffin flavored protein powder! ⠀

Jan 19, 2019

YouTube Video
Coming to NutraBio: BREAKFAST Series Whey Protein Isolate

Dec 12, 2018

YouTube Video
Outbreak Nutrition BUILD: Muscle Builder Ingredients

Sep 11, 2018

Blog Post
Fighting Disease with Shawn Wells | Episode #014
Fighting serious disease? Shawn Wells (@ZoneHalo) drops knowledge on using diet and supplementation to help with chemotherapy.

Mar 26, 2018

Blog Post
The Lanham Act: How POM vs Coke Enabled Supplement Lawsuits
What's POM Wonderful and Coca-Cola got to do with supplements? The fact that their lawsuit led to the opening of inter-industry Lanham Act LAWSUITS!

Dec 08, 2017

Blog Post
Lion’s Mane: The Nerve Growth Nootropic Mushroom
Lion's Mane is an incredible mushroom that touts some extremely unique nootropic benefits including increasing Nerve Growth Factor.

Feb 01, 2017

Blog Post
sho Nutrition Balance: Enhanced and Easy Digestion
sho Nutrition Balance is an easy-to-use digestive enzyme supplement that helps restore your gut health for digestion and immune system health.

Dec 20, 2016

Blog Post
MSM Supplements: Joint Support for Athletes AND Aging!
MSM Supplements (methylsulfonylmethane) are sulfur compounds with incredible research as an effective remedy for achy joints, aging, and arthritis!

Dec 09, 2016

Blog Post
Study: Pomegranate Juice Improves Recovery and Reduces Soreness
A new study shows that natural pomegranate juice greatly enhances performance and recovery, while also reducing markers of muscle damage (soreness).

Sep 14, 2016

Blog Post
The 2016 FDA NDI Draft Guidance Document: How To Destroy The ENTIRE Dietary Supplement Industry in 102 Pages
The FDA's 2016 NDI Draft Guidance looks like the beginning of a multi-pronged attack on the dietary supplement industry. Read and fight this ASAP!

Sep 06, 2016

Blog Post
Northbound Nutrition BLEND – Cognitive Energy & Endurance
Blend from Northbound Nutrition is a clinically dosed cognition enhancing supplement perfect for work or working out. Maybe even a gaming supplement!

Aug 29, 2016

Blog Post
AML Pre Workout: A True Muscular Development Style Pre
Advanced Molecular Labs Pre Workout is a true beast of a pre workout that uses clinical doses of staple ergogenics powered by 400mg of pure caffeine.

Jan 13, 2016

Blog Post
Magnum Mimic: Strong GDA for your Biggest Carb Meal
Magnum Mimic is a strong glucose disposal agent (GDA) made by Magnum Nutraceuticals to help shuttle carbs to your muscles and not around your waist.

Feb 12, 2015

Blog Post
SAN MegaTron – Stim-Free Supplement as Good as its Name
SAN MegaTron is a stimulant-free pre workout supplement that has exciting doses of both nitric oxide boosters AND focus enhancers. And what a name!

Jan 17, 2015

Blog Post
Amino HP – ANS Performance’s Fully-Loaded BCAA Powder
Amino HP is ANS Performance's answer to all of the BCAA supplements and intra workouts out there. It's fully loaded and knowing ANS, will taste great

Jan 08, 2015

Blog Post
Epicatechin – The Epic Force Behind Dark Chocolate
There's a reason why dark chocolate is always touted for it's health benefits: a flavonol named (-)-EPICATECHIN. But can high doses help build muscle?

Jan 01, 2015

Blog Post
The Top 10 Supplement Industry News Stories of 2014
PricePlow goes over the Top 10 Supplement Industry News Stories of 2014

Jan 14, 2014

Blog Post
Protein Window Myth BUSTED: Nutrition News Jan 14, 2014
Tons of news in the nutrition world lately, including some major research published by Alan Aragon about the "protein window"!