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Antioxidant Supplements - The Modern Version of The Fountain of Youth?
The sales of antioxidant supplements are rapidly on the rise. With manufacturers promising everything from less wrinkles and younger-looking skin, to amazing health benefits, you’d think that antioxidant supplements are the modern version of the fountain of youth.
Are the claims true? To some degree, the claims have validity but require a lot more study. We know that antioxidants like Vitamin A, C, E and Beta carotene deter the development of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to cellular decay. So by adding these types of supplements into our diet we could be supporting the immune system, which in turn creates a healthier, longer life.
Mind you, the antioxidants we need could come directly from fruit and vegetables (about five servings a day should do the trick). That means what the manufacturers of supplements are REALLY saying it that a balanced diet is part of an overall wellness protocol. Where have you heard that before? Nearly every mother and grandmother on the planet (remember, “eat right, get plenty of sleep, etc.”)!
Antioxidants in the Body:
Once antioxidants enter your body, they slow oxidation. This keeps bad cholesterol from building up, and in turn lowers the risk of heart disease. Studies on cardiovascular disease seem to bear out the effectiveness of Vitamin C in particular for lowering the rates of heart attack and stroke. However, the Vitamin C did not come from supplements – it came from food.
Additionally an antioxidant isn’t working by itself in the body. There are a lot of factors in how it ultimately plays out in our health, not the least of which is a person’s lifestyle, activity levels, and pre-existing health conditions.
By the Numbers
It’s currently estimated that around 30% of Americans are currently taking some type of antioxidant supplement. This figure may be exaggerated because many daily vitamin products include Vitamin A, C and E (and therefore have antioxidant qualities to some degree). Nonetheless, there are still significant numbers of people who trust in antioxidants to help them live longer, healthier lives. Why?
- some people find they have more energy and don’t get sick as often when they take supplements
- some individuals buy anti-aging products with the hope of looking and feeling younger (in this case, even if the product has no mal-effects, it can act as a placebo)
- the marketing of these products is very clever and targeted to a culture very consumed with appearances and the effects of aging
It may well be that some people find using these supplements helpful, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan. Even so, the American Heart Association has issued cautions regarding antioxidant supplements. Overall the recommendation is to eat antioxidant-rich foods (like green, leafy vegetables) rather than take a dietary supplement. Quite simply, there hasn’t been extensive enough review of supplements to know if they’re indeed helping anyone.
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