Antioxidants are a class of substances that can help neutralize free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons, thereby eliminating the damage caused by free radicals to the human body. When free radicals are present in appropriate amounts, they can support physiological functions normally and contribute to body defense. However, body health can be adversely affected if too many free radicals are not removed in time. Excessive free radicals can cause various damages to the body in terms of molecules, cells, tissues and organs, and even accelerate the aging process and induce various diseases.
Antioxidants can protect cells from free radicals and they are either synthesized by the body or supplied by food. Lycopene in tomatoes and anthocyanins in cranberries have strong antioxidant effects and they can only be obtained through external supplementation.
Classification
Antioxidants are diverse and include vitamins (vitamin A, C and E), carotenoids (astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein, β-carotene), and trace minerals (selenium, zinc, copper and manganese). Generally, antioxidants can be mainly divided into carotenoids and coenzyme Q.
Carotenoids are natural plant pigments with a tetraterpene structure. It is commonly found in animals, plants, fungi, and algae. Carotenoids are the main source of vitamin A in the body, and have anti-oxidation, immune regulation, anti-cancer, and anti-aging effects. In terms of antioxidant effects, the most common and well-studied carotenoids are beta-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and lycopene.
Coenzyme Q, also known as ubiquinone Q10 (CoQ10), exists in its oxidized form (ubiquinone) or reduced form (ubiquinol). It is regarded as a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant and can prevent cellular damage associated with aging and some diseases. CoQ 10 is found in meat, fish, salmon, sardines, pork, chicken, nuts, soybeans, and vegetable oils. It can also be obtained from dairy products, vegetables, fruits, and grains [1].
Health Benefits of Antioxidants
The health benefits of antioxidants are numerous. Here we briefly list several carotenoids, and introduce their health benefits in terms of anti-oxidation.
β-carotene is considered an effective biological antioxidant because it can scavenge free radicals in the body. As an antioxidant, β-carotene plays a key role in anti-cancer, anti-aging, and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cataracts, which makes it a necessary nutrient for human health.
Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid pigment that has greater antioxidant properties than vitamin C. As one of the most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin can prevent lipid peroxidation, slow down aging, and reduce mutagenesis and carcinogenesis by protecting against oxidative damage to cells. In addition, astaxanthin also has anti-inflammatory effects in vivo due to its antioxidant function.
Lycopene is a red fat-soluble pigment among carotenoids and a super antioxidant. It can effectively scavenge peroxyl radicals (ROO·) and singlet oxygen, and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing the damage caused by excessive free radicals to the human body. So it may prevent arteriosclerotic cancer.
Our Products
Alfa Chemistry provides a variety of antioxidants, including β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, cyanidin chloride, and coenzyme Q10. Please click the links below for more details about our products.
Alfa Chemistry offers various antioxidants which are raw materials that can be added to functional foods or used as dietary supplements. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or requirements.
Reference
- Sonia, S-F.; et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on infectious diseases. Healthcare (Basel). 2022, 10(3): 487.
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