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In The News


Antioxidants vs. Free Radicals
(The Sun/SunViva/HealthyLiving/Wednesday, June 20, 2001 /pg9)

What is this ongoing battle between antioxidants and free radicals? Our body produces free radicals to destroy bacteria and to generate energy.

The problem with free radicals is when there is excess in the body. Many external factors such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and UV radiation increase the body's production of free radicals. This is harmful to our body because free radicals damage the cells and tissues in our body, causing genetic mutation that could lead to cancer, ageing and heart disease.

How do antioxidants help? The role of antioxidants is to maintain a healthy balance of free radicals in our body. Antioxidants inhibit the oxidation process, which is caused by free radicals, by neutralizing them, thus reducing damage to the cells' DNA, protein, carbohydrates and fats. They also provide other health benefits such as boosting our immune system, slowing the process of ageing, and protecting against diseases and cancers.

Although our body produces an elaborate natural antioxidant defence system of biological antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, we also depend on vitamins and minerals through food and supplements to provide antioxidant properties - for instance, vitamins A, C and E. Minerals by themselves are not antioxidants but vital components of antioxidant enzymes made by the body, for example zinc, manganese and selenium.

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Note: Dr Amran Ahmad is the Chief Medical Advisor at Pharmvision Ventures. This article is written in collaboration with Vita Health Laboratories for the purpose of promoting health education.

Pharmvision Ventures Sdn Bhd is managing Tigas Pharma an independent pharmacy alliance targeted at leveling the playing field for small pharmacy business in buying-centric group purchasing initiatives. For more information about us, please call (03)7660 2281 or e-mail enquiry@pharmvision.com or visit our website: www.pharmvision.com.

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