From the Guidelines
Green tea, containing EGCG, is the most clinically proven natural antioxidant, with benefits for reducing advanced glycation and oxidative stress, and should be consumed daily as a beverage or supplement at a dose of 300-500mg. The evidence from recent studies 1 suggests that green tea consumption can significantly reduce the advanced glycation process and the accumulation of AGEs, which are associated with increased cancer risk and cardiovascular disease. Some key points to consider when choosing natural antioxidants include:
- Green tea extract containing EGCG has been shown to have potent antioxidant effects and reduce AGE formation 1
- Other herbal teas, such as mate tea and coffee, may also have anti-AGE activity due to their high content of caffeoyl derivative compounds 1
- A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables can provide complementary phytonutrients and enhance the benefits of antioxidant supplementation 1
- The use of antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, is not recommended due to the lack of evidence for their benefits and potential harm 1 It is essential to prioritize a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, rather than relying solely on supplements, to maximize the benefits of natural antioxidants and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
From the FDA Drug Label
HEALTH CLAIM: Coenzyme Q10 10 mg Alpha-Lipoic Acid 75 mg
The Coenzyme Q10 and Alpha-Lipoic Acid are listed as ingredients in the drug label 2. These are known antioxidants.
- Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid is also a naturally occurring antioxidant. Based on the information provided, Coenzyme Q10 and Alpha-Lipoic Acid are clinically proven natural antioxidants.
From the Research
Clinically Proven Natural Antioxidants
- Vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyphenols like flavonoids are considered beneficial components from fruit and vegetables due to their anti-oxidative properties 3
- Antioxidant supplementation, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer by reducing oxidative stress, DNA damage, and other deleterious cellular changes 4
- Vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 supplementation has been shown to improve sperm concentration and motility in men with oligoasthenozoospermia, with significant improvements in certain semen parameters 5
- Key antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, green tea extract, coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, selenium, and polyphenols, contribute to skin health care by combating the deleterious effects of oxidative stress induced by environmental aggressors 6
- Antioxidant supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and selenium has been shown to increase large and small artery elasticity in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, associated with an improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as a decrease in blood pressure 7
Benefits of Natural Antioxidants
- Reduction of oxidative stress and DNA damage
- Improvement in sperm concentration and motility
- Protection of skin cells from oxidative damage
- Increase in large and small artery elasticity
- Improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism
- Decrease in blood pressure
Food Sources and Supplementation
- Vitamin C: found in fruits and vegetables, can be taken as a supplement
- Vitamin E: found in nuts and seeds, can be taken as a supplement
- Coenzyme Q10: found in meat and fish, can be taken as a supplement
- Polyphenols: found in green tea, grapes, and berries, can be taken as a supplement
- Selenium: found in Brazil nuts, fish, and turkey, can be taken as a supplement