Antioxidants. What is it role in medicine, food, drugs, natural in foods. The list, which contains the best vitamin complexes

Popularity antioxidants increases with each passing year. This is due to their unique properties, which are only a couple of decades ago, the first to pay attention to biologists and doctors.

What are antioxidants

Antioxidants - is a group of substances that slow oxidation and neutralizing free radicals.

Due to this they are widely used in the following areas:

1. Food industry. Oxidation processes related to the influence of sunlight and oxygen, detrimental effect on the valuable qualities of food, as well as give them the rancidity. Natural and chemical antioxidants are an important group of preservatives, as they allow to keep the products fresh and healthy for a long time.
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2. Fuel industry. If you make a small amount of antioxidant is a sharp deceleration fuel gumming.
3. Medicine and cosmetic industry. The current working hypothesis suggests that antioxidants can retard the aging process. Because of this they are often included in the composition of dietary supplements and cosmetic formulations.

The mechanism of action of antioxidants

Because of the effect of antioxidants inhibited the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation of cell membranes.

This is achieved through breakage reaction chains: antioxidant substance molecules interacting with the active radicals lead to the formation of less active radicals. The rate of oxidation processes is significantly reduced even with a small amount of antioxidant substances.

Causes of increased oxidation and its effect on the body

Normally, the oxidation is one of the natural mechanisms of cell activity, but result of certain health problems there is an increased activation of the free radical oxidation.

For example, in muscular dystrophy can be observed enhancement of protein oxidation, as in Parkinson's disease - the destruction of cells of the nervous system. A particularly serious problem it can become with age, as all the natural mechanisms in the body slows down.

Among the main reasons for the increased oxidation can be identified:

• lack of micronutrients in the diet;
• disproportionate use of proteins and fats;
• impaired liver or kidney;
• disruptions in the production of thyroid hormones;
• diabetes;
• unfavorable environmental conditions.

Any of these factors, as well as their combination, has a detrimental effect on the antioxidant protection.

Why do we need antioxidants man

Antioxidants - these are some of the substances, without which it is impossible to do. With increased oxidation is recommended to eat foods that contain them in large numbers.

As we age, free radicals can damage cell structures, to reduce their functional capacity and even increase the risk of cancer. Aggravate the situation factors such as strenuous exercise, high loads, high doses of solar radiation and environmental pollution.

antioxidant properties

There are a large number of substances belonging to the group of antioxidants, but each of them has its own characteristics:

Vitamin A and beta-carotene	Eliminate the free radicals that support the immune system and normal mucous membranes. Reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
vitamin C	One of the most powerful antioxidants, detoxifying many toxic substances and protect against viral diseases.
vitamin E	Slows the oxidation of lipids, thus it has a strong antioxidant effect. It works best in tandem with selenium.
Zinc	It is a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. It affects the free radicals, maintains optimum levels of vitamin E in the blood and promotes absorption of vitamin A.
superoxide dismutase	Antioxidant enzyme that protects the body from oxygen radicals. It plays a significant role in the health of almost all cells that come into contact with oxygen.
Alpha-lipoic acid	Protects red blood cells, and fatty acids from oxidative damage and the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Cysteine	It neutralizes some toxic substances, protect from radiation.
glutathione	Not only protects cells against free radicals, but also is responsible for the redox characteristics of the intracellular environment.
melatonin	Throughout exhibits antioxidant activity, it has the ability to bind free radicals. Basically, its impact is aimed at protecting the structure of DNA, to a lesser extent - to protect proteins and lipids.
Selenium	It is part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase system that provides protection from the harmful effects of free radicals cell membranes. It enhances the effect of vitamin E.

Classification

Antioxidants can be divided into enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Among the most well-known antioxidant enzymes secrete proteins catalysts: catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase.

Normally, they are produced by the body in a sufficient amount, whereby each cell can destroy excess amount of free radicals. But, in the event of increased oxidation, an important role in protecting the body have antioxidants derived from food.

Among the best known non-enzymatic antioxidants can be isolated vitamins A, E, C, lycopene, tannins, polyphenols and anthocyanins. Also, these substances are divided into two broad categories, depending on what they are soluble: in water or lipids.

Antioxidants are both produced in the body and come from food. Many of them are present in the tissues and cells of the body in different concentrations.

Drugs, antioxidants

It is not always obtained to provide a sufficient amount of antioxidants body via normal diet. In this case, to the aid of pharmaceutical drugs, which are usually sold in the public domain.

Their selection is very large, but there are several popular and effective drugs:

1. Glutargin. Not only it has antioxidant properties, but also cardioprotective and antihypoxic activity, so is widely used in such serious diseases as hepatitis and cirrhosis. It is composed of arginine and glutamic acid. Available as tablets and injectable solutions. Its price is 170-500 rubles. per pack.
2. Aktovegin. It is a powerful antioxidant and antihypoxant. The main active ingredient - refined gemodializat blood. The drug effectively opposes free radicals, and is regularly used in diseases of the eye and central nervous system pathologies. Buy it in the form of an injectable solution can be for 600-1500 rubles.
3. Cere. At the heart of the drug - a complex peptitov derived from porcine brain. This medicine for many years, is used in the treatment of pathologies of the nervous system. It is able to maintain cell membranes, regulate blood circulation and have a powerful antioxidant effect. Cerebrolysin available as a solution for injection, the cost of packaging is 600-1400 rub.
4. Asparkam. The drug contains a part of magnesium aspartate, and potassium aspartate, whereby the beneficial effects on the digestive system, heart and blood vessels. Available in tablet form, the package price is on average no more than 50 rubles.
5. Dibikor. Agent based on taurine used in pathologies of the endocrine system and diabetes. Has powerful antioxidant properties, it has a protective effect on pancreatic cells. Available in tablet form, the price per piece - about 500 rubles.

The best vitamin complexes with antioxidants

Since some vitamins are natural antioxidants, many pharmacy systems to help restore the protective functions of the body and neutralize free radicals.

Among the best products can be distinguished:

1. Vitrum antioxidant. Complex having strong antioxidant properties. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, slows the aging process, strengthens the body's natural defenses. The cost of packaging is about 600-700 rubles.
2. Seltsink Plus. Additive in the form of tablets containing, consisting of complex trace elements and vitamins with powerful antioxidant properties. Handling charge - about 350 rubles.
3. Triovite. Formulation based on fat-soluble antioxidants, thus protects cell membranes and prevents excessive oxidation and fighting free radicals. Triovite is available in capsules, packaging costs an average of 250 rubles.
4. Vitamin E Zentiva. The composition contains tocopherol acetate, regulates metabolic processes and having a pronounced antioxidant properties. Available in convenient capsule form. The drug can be purchased for 260-350 rubles.
5. Sinergin. The unique combination of 6 powerful natural lipophilic and water-soluble antioxidants, each of which works more efficiently by properly chosen concentration. Product form - capsule. packaging cost - 500-600 rubles.

How to choose the best product with antioxidants?

Medications and vitamin complexes with antioxidants can significantly differ not only on price but also on the composition.

Admission pharmacy agents recommended for the following groups of people:

• women planning to become pregnant;
• To old people;
• patients with impaired malabsorption;
• pregnant and lactating women;
• people on a vegetarian diet;
• patients with alcohol and drug dependence;
• those who have suffered stress-related long-term diet.

When choosing a particular drug with antioxidants is recommended based on the following factors:

• the presence of cardiovascular diseases, digestive and endocrine systems;
• the usefulness of the diet and transferred diet;
• age;
• exposure to the environment.

People who do not have serious indications of health, it is better to limit intake of vitamin and mineral supplements with antioxidants. Despite the fact that they are usually sold without a prescription, before you purchase it is recommended to consult a specialist.

Antioxidants in foods

Antioxidants - substances that have a natural origin, so they are the best sources of conventional products.

A balanced diet provides the body with a maximum amount of trace elements and vitamins, but recovered products containing the largest amounts of antioxidants. By adding them in the diet, you can spare the trouble of pharmacy reception additives and complexes.

Vitamin A / beta-carotene	Bilberries, blueberries, buckthorn, carrot, parsley, sorrel, wild rose, celery, garlic, mango, melon, apricots, squash, broccoli, spinach, green onions
vitamin C	Rosehip, sweet pepper, black currant, guava, parsley, kiwi fruit, broccoli, fennel, litchi, strawberry, cauliflower, papaya, cabbage, orange, lemon, pineapple, blueberries, cranberries, gooseberries
vitamin E	Corn oil, cottonseed oil, hazelnuts, almonds, flax seed oil, sunflower seeds, peanuts, walnuts, buckwheat, peas, beans, butter, asparagus, green peas
Zinc	Calf liver, oysters, beef, beef tongue, yolk, anchovies, salmon, milk
Selenium	Egg, rice, corn, poultry liver, beef and pork liver, beans, barley grits, pistachios, lentils, wheat, peanuts, peas, walnuts, almonds

Slimming and anti-oxidants

Antioxidants of natural origin - it is a great option not only to heal the body, but also to get rid of a few extra kilos. Most products containing antioxidants have a positive effect on the digestive and metabolic processes, thereby slimming process becomes more efficient.

Antioxidants in oncology

Communication intake of antioxidants with cancer still causes serious diseases controversy in the scientific community. At the moment, scientists agree only in the fact that the use of antioxidants of natural origin capable of exerting a preventive effect, reducing the risk of developing cancer.

If we talk about the patients already faced with the disease, the research so far is not enough to generate recommendations for the increase or decrease of these substances in the diet.

Antioxidants in cosmetics

Free radicals adversely affects the production of collagen and interferes with the normal functioning of the skin cells. In the composition of cosmetic products antioxidants decided just two major tasks.

First, they prevent degradation of the active substances contained in the product. Secondly, when applied to the skin, antioxidants are able to protect the cells and slow the aging process.

Antioxidants - substances that many of them work better together. Therefore, in cosmetic formulations typically include them in groups. Moreover, many of the major brands have patented their own formula of antioxidants used in their cosmetics.

The most common stable form of vitamin C, which are can be seen in the list of ingredients under the names tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl glucoside and ascorbyl glucosamine.

Antioxidants are included in cosmetic products that improve the skin condition and minimize photodamage, pigmentation compete with and decrease the severity of wrinkles.

An important feature of cosmetics with antioxidants is opaque sealed package as oxygen and sunlight are able to quickly deny its effectiveness.

When choosing a particular agent is recommended to give preference to a bottle with a pump, which limits the access of air.

Despite the fact that topical application of antioxidants could have a positive impact, should not be expected from the use of such cosmetics significant results. In order to achieve a visible improvement takes time and a holistic approach to skin care.

Norms of consumption of antioxidants

antioxidant content in foods is usually expressed in units. Daily with food is recommended to use antioxidant 8000-11000 units.

Since each contains a different product quantity, preference should be given to those in which the concentration of antioxidants above all. For example, one cup of fresh bilberry or blueberry antioxidant comprises 9000-13000 units, and one black sink - 4000-8000.

Said minimum ignores the negative impact of factors such as bad habits, presence of disease, malnutrition and excessive stress.

Among the symptoms of a lack of antioxidants release:

• improved skin dryness;
• decreased immunity;
• muscle weakness;
• dry skin;
• fatigue;
• low efficiency;
• the appearance of signs of premature aging of the skin;
• decreased visual acuity;
• depression.

Despite the fact that an adequate level of antioxidants is necessary for normal functioning of all body systems, in some cases possible and excess.

It occurs with chronic administration of pharmaceutical preparations with a high content of these substances abuse products having high antioxidant activity as well as individual intolerance of certain compounds.

Distinguish the following symptoms of excess antioxidants:

• pain in the muscles and joints;

  

• disruptions of the menstrual cycle in women;
• pain in the stomach and the heart;
• skin irritation;
• increasing pressure;
• digestive disorders;
• rapid breathing;
• insomnia;
• nausea.

Excessive consumption of antioxidants leads to allergic reactions m, damage to white blood cells, the formation of stones in the gall bladder and kidney, adrenal atrophy, disruption of the heart and blood vessels, increase spleen and liver. Therefore, the approach to the reception of these substances should be cautious.

Possible damage when taking anti-oxidants

Regular consumption of antioxidants - is a reliable way to maintain the body's health. But, despite this, they may be harmful in some cases. For example, higher doses of antioxidants have monocomponent counterproductive effect: accelerate the aging process and, according to some, even increase the risk of cancer diseases.

In addition, you should consider the following negative characteristics of these substances:

• reception pharmacy antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of exercises designed to build muscle mass;
• receiving lipid-soluble antioxidants in the absence of their deficiency in the body may make them toxic concentration;
• higher doses of water-soluble antioxidants cause nausea, cramps, fatigue, indigestion, increasing the normal level of iron;
• at high doses they begin to act as pro-oxidants, whereby the body begins to produce more free radicals;
• Some studies show that taking drugs to vitamins A and E basis can cause an increased risk of early death;
• in smokers excess dietary supplementation with vitamin E and beta-carotene can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Basically harm antioxidants apply it to pharmaceutical preparations, and rarely talking about the substances contained in natural products. Therefore, the optimal choice is considered to be a balanced diet, and only in case of serious indications recommend taking additional medicines and vitamin complexes.

Registration of the article: Vladimir the Great

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