What are antioxidant vitamins?

Antioxidant is a classification of several organic substances, including vitamins C and E, vitamin A (which is converted from beta-carotene), selenium (a mineral), and a group known as the carotenoids. Carotenoids, of which beta- carotene is the most popular, are a pigment that adds color to many fruits and vegetables -- without them, carrots wouldn't be orange, for example. Together as antioxidants, these substances are thought to be effective in helping to prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Take these, they are a great insurance policy from what life throws our way.
At the molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve to deactivate certain particles called free radicals. In humans, free radicals usually come in the form of O2, the oxygen molecule. The oxygen molecule wants to be oxidized (remember that stuff from your chemistry class?), and this oxidation process can sometimes be carcinogenic. Free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within and among cells. They are also created by exposure to various environmental factors, tobacco smoke and radiation, for instance.
If allowed to go their merry way, these free radicals can cause damage to cell walls, certain cell structures, and genetic material within the cells. In the worst case scenario and over a long time period, such damage can become irreversible and lead to disease (e.g., cancer). This is where antioxidants come into play. Based on what Alice has told you so far, can you guess what role antioxidants play in the maintenance of health?
Antioxidants play the housekeeper's role, "mopping up" free radicals before they get a chance to do harm in your body. Researchers have postulated that antioxidants prevent the possible carcinogenic effects of oxidation. Despite numerous studies carried out on the role of antioxidants in cancer and heart disease prevention, the jury is still out as to which groups of people, if any, benefit from taking antioxidant supplements.
Some studies have shown that smokers with diets high in carotenoids have a lower rate of lung cancer development than their smoking counterparts whose carotenoid intake is relatively low. However, a recent study indicated that some beta-carotene takers, primarily smokers, actually had higher death rates. Other research efforts have suggested that diets high in carotenoids may also be associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. Also, vitamin C has been found to prevent the formation of N-nitroso compounds, the cancer-causing substances from nitrates and nitrites found in preserved meats and in some drinking water.
Many researchers claim that elderly people, especially those who have reduced their food intake, frequent aspirin users, heavy drinkers, smokers, and people with impaired immune systems may benefit from taking antioxidant supplements daily. In terms of heart disease and stroke, it is possible that higher levels of antioxidants slow or prevent the development of arterial blockages, a complicated process involving the oxidation of cholesterol. Moreover, antioxidants may deter the collection of plaque on arterial walls.
Obviously, conflicting reports on the health benefits of antioxidants and beta-carotene exist. It is difficult to know what to believe and whose advice to follow (that's why you are at LifeSource, right?). It is best to remember that vitamin and mineral supplements should never be used as substitutes for a healthy, well balanced diet! Your best bet is to eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, cantaloupe, and mangoes are great sources of antioxidants.

AHA Scientific Position:

The American Heart Association doesn't recommend using antioxidant vitamin supplements until more complete data are available. We continue to recommend that people eat a variety of foods daily from all the basic food groups:

• six or more servings of breads, cereals, pasta and starchy vegetables
• five servings of fruits and vegetables
• two-to-four servings of fat-free milk, low-fat dairy products
• up to six cooked ounces of lean meat, fish, poultry

Eating a variety of foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol will provide a rich natural source of these vitamins, minerals and fiber. Every cell in our body produces tens of thousands of free radicals on a daily basis. From a long-term perspective, the oxidation that inevitably results can have a devastating effect on the integrity of our healthy cells. LifeSource Labs Super Antioxidants are comprised of the most powerful oxidation quenching nutrients available today. Countering the effects of oxidation provides us with greater amounts of energy, increased stamina, and a better state of overall health. Our distinctive blend of these highly effective free radical fighters can play a substantial role in warding off some of life’s most damaging toxins.*

Clinical use of antioxidant vitamin supplementation may help to prevent coronary heart disease (CHD). Epidemiologic studies find lower CHD morbidity and mortality in persons who consume larger quantities of antioxidants in foods or supplements. Clinical trials indicate that supplementation with certain nutrients is beneficial in reducing the incidence of CHD events. Recent studies show that supplementation with antioxidant vitamins E and C have benefits in CHD prevention; however, supplementation with ß-carotene may have deleterious effects and is not recommended. Current evidence suggests that patients with CHD would probably benefit from taking vitamin E in a dosage of 400 IU per day and vitamin C in a dosage of 500 to 1,000 mg per day. Clinicians may also want to consider vitamin supplementation for CHD prevention in high-risk patients. Folate lowers elevated homocysteine levels, but evidence for routine supplemental use does not yet exist.