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Antioxidants represent our front line of defense against major health conditions such as heart disease, cancer and macular degeneration.
At the molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve to deactivate free radicals, which usually come in the form of O2, the oxygen molecule. Free radicals are the natural byproducts of many processes within and among cells (normal metabolism), and can also be created by exposure to various environmental factors such as sun exposure, cosmic rays, and toxins like lead, mercury, and cadmium from cigarette smoke. Oxidative stress (caused by free radicals) can also result from exposure to pathogens and inappropriate lifestyle factors such as excessive exercise.
Free radicals can cause damage to cell walls, certain cell structures and genetic material within the cells, potentially becoming irreversible and leading to serious disease. This is where antioxidants come into play. Put simply, antioxidants play the housekeeper's role in 'mopping up' free radicals before they get a chance to do harm in the body. They can stabilize and destroy lipid peroxides - damaged fats in your body caused by excess free radicals and the consumption of high-fat food.
We should ideally obtain the antioxidants our bodies require from our diet. However, with soils depleted by years of aggressive farming practices, in addition to today's over-processing of food, it's possible to be nutrient deficient without ever going hungry. That is why many nutritionists recommend supplementing the diet with natural and reliable sources of antioxidants.
Function
Testing relies on the fact that free radicals produce lipid peroxides that can be measured in the urine to indicate antioxidant levels. Comparing these lipid peroxide levels to those of the general population will help to establish a benchmark from which an appropriate program can be developed to improve and maintain your health.
The level of lipid peroxides is an index of cellular membrane damage caused by the action of free radicals. The membranes of the organelles within the cells (mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes etc.) can also be damaged. Membrane proteins, membrane lipids and cholesterol can be damaged due to an insufficiency of antioxidants to deal with the level of oxidative stress. The elevation of lipid peroxides serves as an early warning of the potential long-term effects of oxidative stress, which include chronic degenerative disease.
Direct measurement of lipid peroxides (LPO-CC) correlates 98-99% with serum lipid peroxides.
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Test Antioxidant Status can help with the following:
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GLOSSARY
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by molecules called free radicals. These chemicals can damage important parts of cells, such as proteins, membranes, and DNA. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Free Radical (Free Radicals)
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Glutathione
A natural sulfur-bearing peptide formed from the linking of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and detoxicant and is involved with the selenium-containing enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione is also involved in amino acid transport across cell membranes and is a powerful free radical scavenger and antioxidant that removes unwanted substances from the body.
Lipid (Lipids)
Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Macular Degeneration
Increasingly poor eyesight often accompanied by light sensitivity, distorted vision and a blank or dark patch in the center of vision.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Mitochondrion (Mitochondria)
Structure inside a cell that is the location of the cell's energy production machinery. (Plural: Mitochondria)
Peroxidation
A type of oxidation that results in the formation of peroxides in body tissues which contain high proportions of oxygen.
Peroxides (Peroxide)
Free radicals that are by-products formed in our bodies when molecules of fat react with oxygen.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.
Last updated: Sep 28, 2008
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