In the human body, so-called “free radicals” are formed in every cell during metabolic processes.Free radicals lack an electron and are always eager to snatch this missing electron from another molecule. In the process, new radicals are always created and a chain reaction leads to the constant multiplication of radicals in the body. As a result of this chain reaction, oxidative stress occurs. Free radicals – oxidative stress – are triggered by, among other things:
Behavioral causes
- Diet low in vital substances (few cereal products, less than 5 servings of vegetables and fruits (400-800 g/day), little milk and dairy products, less than one to two fish per week, etc.).
- Malnutrition and malnutrition – including over- and undernutrition.
- Smoking – the substances inhaled in a single puff from a cigarette form 1015 free radicals in the lungs – a hundred times more than we ourselves have body cells. Detoxification of tar inhaled at the same time creates an additional 1014 free radicals.
- UV rays – for example, sunlight, solarium.
- Extreme physical labor
- Competitive and high-performance sports
Causes related to disease
- Acute and chronic inflammation
- Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hemochromatosis
- Pulmonary diseases such as Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), bronchial asthma, emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Free radicals – oxidative stress – damage:
- Proteins
- Fatty acids
- Carbohydrates [
- Collagen
- Elastin
- Mucopolysaccharides
- Lipids from which cell membranes and other organelles such as mitochondria (powerhouses of cells) and lysosomes are built.
Free radicals – oxidative stress – increase the risk of numerous diseases, such as:
- Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries).
- Cancer
- Rheumatic diseases
- Coronary heart disease
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack), apoplexy (stroke).
- Inflammation as well as disorders of the immune system
- Cataract (cataract)
- Diabetes mellitus – secondary diseases such as diabetic polyneuropathy, diabetic nephropathy.
- Neurodegenerative diseases – Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease.
- Periodontitis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Aging processes
Furthermore, free radicals can attack blood vessels and react with the cell nucleus and genetic information (DNA), resulting in mutations – changes in genetic information.
Antioxidant Test
The antioxidant test provides information about the ratio of free radicals to antioxidants (radical scavengers). The test demonstrates how well the body is able to render free radicals harmless, thus protecting itself from free radical damage. At the same time, the antioxidant test provides information about the extent and severity of oxidative stress, thus enabling adequate therapy.The following tests can be performed:Determination of oxidative stress.
- ImAnOx – determination of the ability of blood plasma to render peroxides harmless.
- PerOx – determination of lipid and hydroperoxides.
- D-ROMs test – oxidative stress test. The d-ROMs test shows the level of free radical stress.
- Malondialdehyde (MDA) – Laboratory diagnostic marker for lipid peroxidation.
- 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and 2-propenal (acrolein) – indirect indicators of oxidative stress (as end products of lipid peroxidation).
Determination of antioxidant potential
- Enzyme determination – glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutases (SOD) and others
- Concentration of antioxidant substances – vitamins C and E, reduced glutathione (GFH), uric acid.
- Trace elements – zinc and selenium
- BAP test (Biological Antioxidant Potential) – the BAP value provides information about the state of the body’s antioxidant defense system against free radicals.
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Indirect markers for the risk of increased oxidative stress.
Indirect markers of the effects of oxidative stress.
- Homocysteine, fatty acids, et al.
Benefit
Those who compensate for an insufficient supply of vital substances in good time – in accordance with their individual vital substance additional requirements – through the right choice of foods or dietary supplements, contribute significantly to making harmful free radicals in the body harmless and thus prevent their negative effects.
