Antioxidant Supplements and Oxidative Stress: The debate extends to the Middle East
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2019, Vol 19, Issue 3
Abstract
Free radicals are atoms that contain an unpaired valence electron that renders them chemically unstable and highly reactive. Free radicals are capable of damaging biological molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids leading to cell damage and/or cell death.1 Tese atoms result from normal metabolic processes in the human body as well as from environmental exposure to harmful rays, ozone, cigarette smoking, air pollutants and industrial chemicals.1 Antioxidants are compounds that donate electrons to neutralise free radicals and prevent their detrimental effects. Diet is an important source of antioxidants as fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, vitamin E, vitamin C and minerals such as selenium. Glutathione is a major endogenous antioxidant which is produced in the intracellular compartment.2 Te balance between the oxidising effects of free radicals and the reducing power of antioxidants is referred to as “redox homeostasis”.3 Oxidative stress in humans occurs as a result of the imbalance between free radical production in cells and tissues and the ability of natural antioxidant defences to detoxify them. Exposure to oxidative stress has escalated in modern societies as a result of increased exposure to harmful oxidants in various aspects of life—including diet, industrial pollution, chemicals, medications, smoking, pesticides and many more. Imbalance in the redox state renders the human body more vulnerable to an array of disorders and chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders and other diseases linked to aging and disturbed immune function.4–6 Te International Society of Antioxidants in Nutrition and Health (ISANH) is a non-proft organisation based in Paris, France.7 Te general aim of this society is to address various factors affecting the redox balance in health and disease, particularly the role of natural and supplemental antioxidants. ISANH conducts regular meetings to encourage communication among researchers, physicians, nutritionists, industry specialists, food technology and strategic marketing managers through global antioxidant networks to enhance knowledge and share ground-breaking discoveries regarding antioxidants, their advantages/disadvantages and provide recommendations to decision-makers and institutions about the latest trends in the feld.
Authors and Affiliations
Jumana Saleh, Marvin Edeas, Harry Van Goor
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP168010
- DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.18295/squmj.2019.19.03.001
- Views 247
- Downloads 0
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