Praktické lekárnictvo 4/2018

Antioxidants in prevention of chronic diseases – part III: Antioxidants

Excessive and uncontrolled generation of free radicals leads to the oxidative stress in the human organism, arising as a result of an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defenses. This plays an important role in the occurrence of various chronic diseases and aging. Antioxidants are systems and substances which inhibit the formation of free radicals or reduce their effect. They help to protect the body from free radical damage. Antioxidants have the ability to accelerate cell oxidation by neutralizing free radicals. The most effective antioxidants are superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Less known are various molecules such as albumin, haptoglobin, hemopexin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, bilirubin, uric acid, etc. The effective antioxidants are ascorbic acid, tocopherol, carotenoids, coenzyme Q, natural flavonoids and other substances. Antioxidant protection allows the body to deal with degenerative diseases and achieve a long and healthy life. The adequate amounts of antioxidants in nutrition along with appropriate lifestyle can significantly affect the incidence of noncommunicable diseases.

Keywords: antioxidants, noncommunicable diseases, enzymes, chain reactions, vitamins