3 Levels of Antioxidants that You need to Know about
1) Preventative antioxidants
Function: to inhibit the formation of free radicals
e.g. metal binding proteins like; Caeruloplasmin (Cu), Metallothionine (Cu), Albumin (Cu), Transferrin (Fe), Ferritin (Fe) and Myoglobin (Fe).
These are basic ingredients that we can obtain from food and supplementation
Deficiency arises from imbalance diets
Can this be restored: Yes
2) Scavenging antioxidants
Function: to remove reactive species once formed
e.g. superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and small molecules such as glutathione, ascorbate, tocopherol, bilirubin, uric acid, carotenoids and flavonoids.
These are enzymes and essential molecules that are produced during cellular metabolism. Honestly speaking we do produce antioxidants ourselves however as we aged, the amount of antioxidant produced by the body is not sufficient in combating the free radicals produced on a daily basis. Aging results.
Deficiency arises: Production of natural antioxidants decreases as we aged.
Can this be restored: Yes
3) Repair enzymes to repair damaged biomolecules
Shortening in DNA as we age results in the loss of the ability of a cell to produce antioxidant enzymes such as DNA repair enzymes.
Can this be restored: Partially, yes
Remark: There a a lot of products in the market that helps to supplement / boost the production of antioxidants in the body. It is vital to learn the production source and ingredients used to address the efficacy issue of these products.