Antioxidants

Antioxidant supplements: vitamins, minerals and plant compounds

During normal metabolism, reactive oxygen compounds are constantly produced in the body. When they are present in excessive amounts, this is known as oxidative stress. Vitamin C, zinc and selenium contribute to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. A supplement containing these nutrients can complement a varied diet rich in fruit and vegetables.

Our range includes antioxidants from brands such as Vit4ever, Osavi, NOW Foods, Swanson and LUTO Supplements. From OPC grape seed extract with vitamin C and quercetin with zinc and selenium to NAC, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin and lycopene, available in capsules, softgels, tablets and powder.

What are antioxidants?

The word antioxidant comes from chemistry and describes substances that can inhibit oxidation. In the world of nutrition, it is used as a collective term for vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. By law, only nutrients with an approved claim may be stated to contribute to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. This applies to vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese and riboflavin (vitamin B2), among others. No such approved claim exists for plant compounds such as OPC, quercetin and resveratrol. Therefore, we describe them factually on this page: what they are and where they occur.

Vitamin C, zinc and selenium

Vitamin C, zinc and selenium contribute to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. Vitamin C also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, while zinc and selenium also contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. In this collection, you will find them in products such as Vit4ever OPC Grape Seed Extract + Vitamin C (as capsules and powder), LUTO Supplements Quercetin + Zinc + Selenium and NOW Foods NAC with Selenium. With combination products, pay attention to the amount of each nutrient per serving so that you know how much vitamin C, zinc or selenium you are getting.

OPC, quercetin and resveratrol

OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins, a group of plant compounds found in grape seeds, red grape skins and pine bark, among other sources. Quercetin is a flavonoid naturally found in onions, apples, capers and tea, and is often extracted from the Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) for use in supplements. Rutin is a related flavonoid from the same tree. Resveratrol occurs in red grape skins and Japanese knotweed. Trans-resveratrol, the form most commonly found in nature, is usually used in supplements. You will also find pomegranate extract with ellagic acid and milk thistle extract with silymarin in this collection.

NAC and glutathione

NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) is an acetyl form of the amino acid cysteine. Glutathione is a tripeptide made up of the three amino acids glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine, which the body produces itself. In this collection, you will find NAC in doses of 150 to 800 mg per serving from brands such as Vit4ever, Swanson, NOW Foods, Life Extension, OstroVit and ESN, as well as NAC complexes with substances such as glycine, selenium or choline. Glutathione is available as L-glutathione in capsules and as liposomal glutathione, in which the substance is encapsulated in small fat globules (liposomes).

Carotenoids: astaxanthin and lycopene

Carotenoids are the red, orange and yellow pigments in plants and algae. Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid that is usually derived from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis in supplements. It also gives salmon and shrimp their colour. Lycopene is the red pigment found in tomatoes and is offered in this collection, among other products, as Lycomato6 tomato extract. Carotenoids are fat-soluble and are therefore often offered in oil-filled softgels. It is best to take them with a meal containing some fat. You will also find zeaxanthin and krill oil with naturally occurring astaxanthin here.

Sulforaphane and broccoli extract

Sulforaphane is a sulphur-containing plant compound that is produced from glucoraphanin, a substance found in broccoli and especially broccoli sprouts. Supplements usually use broccoli sprout extract standardised to a specific percentage of sulforaphane, such as 13 per cent. In this collection, you will find sulforaphane from Vit4ever and Swanson and Broccoli XTR from LUTO Supplements. Food is also a source: raw or lightly steamed broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and other cruciferous vegetables contain glucoraphanin or related compounds.

What to look for when choosing?

With plant extracts, check the standardisation: a percentage such as 98 per cent trans-resveratrol, 40 per cent ellagic acid or 80 per cent silymarin indicates how much of the active plant compound is in the extract. Also compare the dosage per capsule and per daily serving, the form (capsule, softgel, tablet or powder) and any additions such as vitamin C, zinc or selenium. Follow the recommended daily dose on the packaging. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist first. A supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.