How do antioxidants work?

Antioxidants help your body by neutralizing bad particles called free radicals. They give a small particle, an electron, to those bad particles, making them no longer dangerous. This helps your cells stay healthy and ensures that you grow older less quickly.

Types of antioxidants

There are many different types of antioxidants, which are often found in supplements. These can be divided into:

Enzymatic antioxidants: These are enzymes produced by the body that help break down free radicals.

Examples: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and catalase.

Non-enzymatic antioxidants: These are mainly obtained through diet or supplements.

Examples: Vitamins (C and E), minerals (zinc, selenium), polyphenols, carotenoids (such as beta-carotene), and flavonoids (such as quercetin and resveratrol).

Get antioxidants from supplements or food

You can get antioxidants from both food and supplements. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds are rich in natural antioxidants. Supplements are often used to increase antioxidant intake, especially when the diet is inadequate.
Benefits of Antioxidant Supplements:

Higher doses: Supplements may contain higher concentrations of antioxidants than what can be obtained from diet alone.
Ease: They provide an easy way to boost daily antioxidant levels, especially in busy lifestyles.

Disadvantages and considerations of antioxidant supplements

Risk of overdose: Too high doses of certain antioxidants (such as vitamin E) can be harmful and paradoxically increase oxidative stress.
Interactions with medications: Some antioxidants can interfere with the effects of certain medications.

Allowed Health Claims About Antioxidants

Health claims referring to antioxidant properties may only be used if they have been approved by EFSA. Some examples of approved claims:

Vitamin C: “Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.”
Vitamin E: “Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.”
Zinc: “Zinc contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.”
Selenium: “Selenium contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.”
Copper: “Copper contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.”

These claims may only be used if the product contains a significant amount of the mentioned vitamins or minerals according to European guidelines.

Buying antioxidant supplements is not a replacement for a healthy diet but a supplement

Other popular antioxidant supplements

The supplements below have no approved claims. To learn more about these supplements, contact us or read the scientific studies on Pubmed.

• Resveratrol: A polyphenol found in grape skins and red wine, known for its cardiovascular benefits.
• CoQ10: A body's own antioxidant that helps with energy production in cells and protects against oxidative damage, especially in the heart.
• Glutathione: One of the most powerful antioxidants, often referred to as the “mother of all antioxidants”. It is produced by the body itself, but supplements can replenish levels.
• Alpha lipoic acid (ALA): An antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble, and helps regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
• Astaxanthin: A powerful carotenoid often extracted from algae and known for its strong antioxidant effect

Antioxidant supplements are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle

Antioxidant supplements can help support your health, but they are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and avoiding stress are essential for good health. Supplements can be an addition, but it is important to also take good care of yourself in other ways.