A Useful Guide: Antioxidants & Immune Support
Antioxidants are a class of compounds that neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. Free radicals are atoms, molecules, or groups that contain unpaired electrons and usually have strong REDOX reactivity. Although free radicals have positive effects on cells in the right amount, such as participating in immune responses and signaling, excess free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can damage cell membranes, proteins and DNA, and even trigger apoptosis and tissue damage.
The relationship between antioxidants and the immune system
Production and impact of free radicals
Free radicals are atoms, molecules or groups containing unpaired electrons, which usually have strong REDOX reactivity. They are constantly produced in the body as part of metabolism. Although free radicals have positive effects on cells in appropriate amounts, such as participating in immune responses and signaling, excess free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can damage cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, and even trigger apoptosis and tissue damage.
The role of antioxidants
Antioxidants help maintain REDOX balance in the body by neutralizing free radicals. The antioxidant system in the human body includes a variety of enzymatic antioxidants (such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, polyphenols and trace elements) 6. These antioxidants are able to reduce the harmful effects of free radicals and protect cells from damage.
The relationship between antioxidants and the immune system
The immune system is very sensitive to the balance of antioxidants and antioxidants. Adequate reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important second messengers in innate and adaptive immune responses, and are involved in the activation of T cells and inflammasome. However, excessive free radicals can damage the function and defense mechanisms of the immune system, leading to a decline in immune function, and antioxidants can help boost immunity by eliminating excessive oxidative stress and maintaining the health of the body.
The types of antioxidants
Endogenous antioxidants
Antioxidants that occur naturally in the body, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).
Dietary antioxidants
Antioxidants consumed through the diet, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids (such as beta-carotene), polyphenols (such as anthocyanins, flavonoids), and selenium.
Synthetic antioxidants
Synthetic antioxidants are commonly used in food additives and certain medicines.
The side effects and use of antioxidants
The double-edged sword effect of antioxidants
While antioxidants have a positive effect in protecting cells from oxidative damage, they can also have a negative effect in some cases. For example, high doses of antioxidants may interfere with normal immune responses and even be counterproductive in the treatment of certain diseases such as cancer. Antioxidants in cancer treatment may protect tumor cells from oxidative damage by reducing ROS levels, thus promoting tumor development.
Precise antioxidant regulation
In order to effectively utilize antioxidants, it is necessary to consider their effects in different physiological and pathological states. The "5R" principle of precise REDOX regulation (Right species, Right place, Right time, Right level, Right target) emphasizes the precision of antioxidant interventions, That is, antioxidant interventions at the right species, location, time, level, and target to achieve optimal health outcomes.
The role of antioxidants in the diet
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help the body maintain REDOX balance, delay aging and enhance immunity by providing antioxidant substances such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotene and anthocyanins. However, the use of antioxidants needs to be tailored to an individual's specific circumstances to avoid the possible negative effects of excessive intake.
From the above information, we can see that antioxidants play an important role in maintaining immune system health and delaying aging, but their use needs to be careful, precise and moderate to avoid possible negative effects.