From the Guidelines
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the most clinically proven supplement to reduce oxidative stress, with doses ranging from 0.5 g every 12 hours to 10 g in a single dose, as supported by the American Journal of Hematology in 2021 1. When considering supplements to reduce oxidative stress, it's essential to prioritize those with the strongest clinical evidence.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been shown to directly reduce excessive oxidative stress and is the treatment of choice in certain cases, such as methemoglobinemia and G6PD deficiency 1.
- While other supplements like vitamin E, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), coenzyme Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid may have antioxidant properties, the evidence for their effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress is not as strong as that for vitamin C.
- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques are also crucial in reducing oxidative stress, as emphasized by the American Heart Association in 2006 1.
- It's also important to note that some antioxidant supplements, such as beta-carotene and high-dose vitamin E, have been associated with potential harm in certain populations, highlighting the need for careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
HEALTH CLAIM: Supplement Facts Serving Size:1 Tablet Serving per container: 30 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value ... Alpha-Lipoic Acid 75 mg ** Coenzyme Q10 10 mg **
The supplements that are listed in the drug label are Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Coenzyme Q10. However, the label does not explicitly state that these supplements reduce oxidative stress. Therefore, based on the provided information, no conclusion can be drawn about the clinical efficacy of these supplements in reducing oxidative stress 2.
From the Research
Supplements Clinically Proven to Reduce Oxidative Stress
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in individuals with low levels of glutathione 3
- NAC supplementation can increase glutathione concentration, reduce systemic oxidative stress, and improve erythrocyte glutathione metabolism in individuals with low glutathione levels 3
- The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of NAC is due to its ability to increase intracellular glutathione concentration, which is crucial for cellular redox balance 4
- NAC has been used to treat various diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation, including respiratory diseases, acetaminophen poisoning, and disorders of the central nervous system 5, 6, 7
Mechanisms of Action
- NAC increases intracellular glutathione concentration, which reduces oxidative stress and promotes cellular redox balance 4
- NAC can reduce levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β) by suppressing the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) 4
- NAC can modulate the homeostasis of glutamate, which has prompted studies of NAC in neuropsychiatric diseases characterized by impaired glutamate homeostasis 7
Clinical Applications
- NAC has been used as a mucolytic and as an antidote to acetaminophen (paracetamol) poisoning 5, 7
- NAC may be useful as an adjuvant in treating various medical conditions, including chronic diseases such as polycystic ovary disease, male infertility, sleep apnea, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome 6
- NAC has been shown to be beneficial in reducing morbidity and mortality in some chronic conditions, particularly those characterized by oxidative stress 6, 7