Many compounds exhibit antioxidant properties, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones and phytoantioxidants. The human body has evolved a large array of natural defences against oxidative stress, including antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and various peroxidases. It also has the ability to utilise diet-derived antioxidants, which are abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other foods including nuts, grains, fish, poultry and some meats. Diet-derived antioxidants may be classified on the basis of their solubility as either fatsoluble or water-soluble. Fat-soluble antioxidants include vitamin E and the carotenoids, while vitamin C is a common water-soluble antioxidant.

Free Radicals are highly reactive unstable particles produced by the body either as a by-product of a reaction or during normal biochemical processes, such as enzyme activation. Excess or abnormal formation of free radicals may lead to oxidation and damage of body tissue, and is thought to be linked to the ageing process. Many external factors may also generate high levels of free radicals such as alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, strenuous physical activity, eating processed and fried foods and excessive exposure to environmental pollution and radiation, including sunlight.

Antioxidants are free radical scavengers, they play the housekeeper’s role by “mopping up” and neutralising these reactive particles. By neutralising free radicals, antioxidants may help to detoxify and protect vital body tissues and organs. Nutrients that have powerful antioxidant activity include vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene, alpha lipoic acid, co-enzyme Q10 and L-glutathione. Various plants also contain potent antioxidants such as bilberry, ginkgo biloba, grape seed, green tea, lycopene and pine bark. Specifi c B vitamins and the minerals copper, manganese and selenium, also play a crucial role in the production of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase.

Pine Bark Complex
Vega pine bark complex contains a combination of naturally occurring phytoantioxidants that are potent free radical scavengers.

£26

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Multi Antioxidant Complex
This is a balanced multi-formulation of specifi c vitamins, minerals, enzymes
and phyto-antioxidants that may have a powerful antioxidant action in the body, protecting both the fatty and watery parts of body cells.

£24

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Beta Carotene (Dunaliella Salina)
Beta carotene is a precursor of vitamin A, it is a safer way to supplement vitamin A, as it is converted to this vitamin in the liver and intestines when the body requires it.

£14

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Antioxidant Selenium-ACE Formula
This formulation provides a unique combination of the essential trace mineral selenium, vitamins A, C and E, and is fortifi ed with powerful phyto-antioxidants.
The antioxidants in the product may give protection against free radicals in both the fatty and watery parts of body cells.

£19

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Extensive Research indicates that antioxidants may help to increase the body’s levels of these protective substances. People with reduced food intake, the elderly, heavy drinkers, smokers and people who want to support their immune systems may benefi t from taking antioxidants.