Damage to cells caused by free radicals is believed to
play a central role in the aging process and in disease progression.
Antioxidants are our first line of defense against free radical
damage, and are critical for maintaining optimum health and wellbeing.
The need for antioxidants becomes even more critical with
increased exposure to free radicals. Pollution, cigarette smoke,
drugs, illness, stress, and even exercise can increase free radical
exposure. Because so many factors can contribute to oxidative
stress, individual assessment of susceptibility becomes important.
Many experts believe that the Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA) for specific antioxidants may be inadequate and, in some
instances, the need may be several times the RDA. As part of a
healthy lifestyle and a well-balanced, wholesome diet, antioxidant
supplementation is now being recognized as an important means
of improving free radical protection.