Dr Whiting on Antioxidants and Free Radical Prevention

Science has identified a large group of molecules as the cause of many problems with aging in the human body. These 'altered molecules' are called free radicals and they are responsible for premature aging of the skin, internal deterioration, and even genetic mutative damage. Free radicals are formed in the body both naturally and to excess, by the ingestion of chemical compounds from food, air and water. Free radical control is essential to retard the ravaging effects of aging. Antioxidants, which are made up of select vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other natural compounds such as lycopene, leutein, milk thistle, and alpha lipoic acid, have the ability to prevent oxidation of tissues and chemicals, thus preventing the formation of free radicals in the process. Antioxidants may be divided into two groups, firstly those that prevent the formation of free radicals and those that actually seek out and destroy existing free radicals. An ideal antioxidant formulation would include members from each of these two groups. While we are discovering new antioxidants substances regularly, selenium, vitamin A and the more specific antioxidants such as lycopene, leutein, milk thistle, and alpha lipoic acid make up the foundation of most good antioxidant formulas. Michael Murray, a leading antioxidant researcher has often said that by combining key antioxidants together, we can achieve greater overall free radical protection. Because of this, we have developed a powerful combination of antioxidants, which we have found to be very helpful in lowering free radical activity in the body. This specialized formula is made for us by Phoenix Nutritionals. In addition to the baseline antioxidants, we also use heavy hitting free radical fighters such as lycopene, leutein, milk thistle and alpha lipoic acid. Through the right dosage and combination of antioxidant nutrients, we can reduce the dangers of free radical activity in the body considerably.