Question

Discuss how recommendations of individual patient interventions with graded doses of specific antioxidant nutrients based on laboratory evaluation should be differentiated from scientific studies where high doses of single antioxidants may have been found to increase the risk of certain diseases.

Answer 1

The ability of the antioxidants to fight against free radical damage prevents cell damage. People may take antioxidant supplements as part of their diet. Despite their many health benefits, many types of research have proven that artificial supplements are not necessary for the human beings.

As a result of metabolism unstable molecules known as ‘free radicals’, or the destructive molecules (cause damage to DNA and cell membranes) arises. Too much of free radicals will lead to chronic diseases like cancer, CHD. Antioxidants are present in many foods and these may prevent the free radicals from damaging cells by neutralizing them. These antioxidants are mainly seen in vitamins A, C and E, in the minerals selenium, zinc and copper, and plants, fruits and vegetables (phytochemicals).

Controlled or supplementing antioxidants as per strict surveillance will be advantageous to the body. But too much of it can damage the systems. Supplementation of antioxidants may deteriorate the body’s ability to make them. Another problem of antioxidants is that it can’t treat or prevent all diseases. The exceptions like mental illnesses, communicable diseases etc always exists.

.When taken in large doses antioxidants can act as pro-oxidants. They may react with molecules other than the free radicals and may produce more free radicals. (Fenton Reaction). The supplementation of large doses without need can cause damage to the body as they become toxic. A study published in January 2008 revealed that taking beta-carotene supplements can increase the risk of cancer and dying from in smokers. The effect of exercise also can be reduced by too much of antioxidants. The high concentrations can counteract with some treatments like chemotherapy,