The mission of oral antioxidants is to counteract free radicals, substances linked to aging and the onset of diseases. By neutralizing them, the damage they cause can be mitigated. Free radicals are essential substances for the body, participating in certain metabolic functions, so it is necessary to control them and allow the body's antioxidants, such as glutathione, or through diet and/or oral supplements, to neutralize them. They contain active antioxidant properties, such as resveratrol, vitamin C and E, omega-3, and selenium, among others.

In this context, Genesis laboratories and nutritionists provide us with all the information we need about these supplements, when to take them, and what precautions to take, in addition to offering advice on other ways to neutralize free radicals.

What types of antioxidant supplements are used?

These supplements come in various formats such as capsules, powder, or tea, with capsules being the most common. Among the most notable in the market for their composition and results, we find:

• Oral photoprotectors, which contain a standardized extract of Polypodium leucotomos, a natural source of antioxidants capable of neutralizing free radicals and repairing damage.
• Revidox ADN, which, thanks to its content of riboflavin, ascorbic acid, zinc, and selenium, helps protect cells against oxidative damage and contributes to the proper formation of DNA.
• Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn, which contains sea buckthorn fruit, a potent antioxidant beneficial for skin elasticity.
• Coenzyme Q10, commonly used for cell regeneration and damage and cell dysfunction repair.
• L-Glutathione, notable for its glutathione content, the greatest endogenous antioxidant that directly participates in neutralizing free radicals and maintaining exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
• Another notable antioxidant supplement is Omega 3, which provides two important omega-3 fatty acids for maintaining heart function and includes Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.

What is the recommended dosage and when should they be taken?

There is no specific rule on when to start these supplements, as each skin has different needs. Skin damage due to internal oxidative processes occurs from the age of 20, but at that time, the body can still counteract free radicals. Over time and exposure to external factors such as pollution, solar radiation, and tobacco, damage accumulates, accelerating the aging process. There is no specific age to start taking antioxidants; it depends on the degree of aging and exposure to oxidants. For example, smokers can start at the age of 20. In general, it is recommended from the age of 35, according to pharmaceutical indications. In addition, consuming antioxidant-rich foods is beneficial for health; consuming at least five servings of fruits or vegetables a day is advisable. Supplements at an early age are only recommended in cases of dermatological pathologies, chronological aging, and skin exposure to extreme situations such as sun exposure. The recommended dosage will vary depending on the chosen supplement.

What precautions should we take?

When consuming antioxidant supplements, it is essential to consider details such as they are not substitutes for a balanced and varied diet. Moreover, they can interact with other medications, so it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting to consume them. In the case of pregnant or lactating women, precautions should also be taken, and intake should be assessed beforehand. If an adverse reaction occurs after consumption, the supplements should be stopped immediately, and a healthcare professional should be consulted.

How to determine if I should take them?

The need for antioxidants varies from person to person and is identified through different patterns. For example, oxidative stress manifests in the skin through accelerated aging, inflammation, and immunosuppression, among other factors. The decision to supplement the diet depends on factors such as age, gender, health status, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle. Certain population sectors are more prone to oxidative stress, such as older people with impaired immune systems, patients with diabetes, allergy sufferers, athletes, and individuals with certain genetic variants. In these cases, the consumption of antioxidant supplements is more recommended.

What antioxidants are most effective in protecting the skin and combating skin aging?

Exposure to UV radiation causes photoaging, and the effectiveness of protection depends on the duration of exposure and the degree of skin protection. Supplements that block the negative effects of sun exposure are crucial to prevent photoaging, such as vitamin D and E and niacinamide, along with sunscreen. Antioxidants such as astaxanthin, which is not synthesized in the body, should be ingested through foods such as salmon or shellfish. Other antioxidants such as beta-carotenes, Polypodium leucotomos extract, green tea, resveratrol, zinc, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins such as C and E are also beneficial.

In addition to supplements, what other healthy lifestyle habits can help in the fight against aging?

Supporting a healthy lifestyle to slow down the effects of oxidative damage is based on fundamental pillars: nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and proper supplementation. It is recommended to follow a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients, such as red berries, turmeric, nuts, or green leafy vegetables. Regular exercise reduces stress, promotes oxygenation, and the synthesis of coenzyme Q10. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol, along with maintaining good sleep hygiene, contributes to melatonin production, which regulates circadian rhythms and has antioxidant properties.

What is the role of nutrition in obtaining antioxidants, and how can we incorporate them into our daily diet?

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, protecting against memory loss and other age-related mental impairments. A diet rich in vitamin B2, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as folic acid, zinc, selenium, and other minerals, helps maintain a youthful mind. Age-related vision loss is associated with oxidative stress, which can be prevented with a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins such as C, E, and carotenoids. The loss of taste with age can be corrected with supplements of antioxidant minerals such as zinc or selenium. Incorporating these antioxidant minerals through diet or supplements can help reverse taste problems associated with aging.

Published by The Tampa Herald, a news and information agency.