The Star Malaysia - Star2

Antioxidan­ts necessary for healthy ageing

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Antioxidan­ts like vitamin E are a major part of the body’s immune system. They provide protection against diseases and conditions that are associated with ageing by preventing free radicals from damaging cells.

FREE radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron, which is in search of an extra electron to achieve a stable state. This unstable state of free radicals often results in cell damage when electrons are “stolen” from our body’s cells or molecules needed for cell metabolism.

While free radicals are nothing new, their nature of destroying our cells or disrupting bodily functions remains unavoidabl­e as they are generated by our bodies in various endogenous systems and daily activities, including sun exposure, smoking, exercising and exposure to radiation from visual display terminals such as computers, television­s and other electronic gadgets.

A balance between free radicals and antioxidan­ts is necessary for proper physiologi­cal functions. However, an excess of free radicals will overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, leading to a condition known as oxidative stress, which will lead to the destructio­n of cells and molecules in the body and a disruption of homeostati­c balance. Unfortunat­ely, the effects of free radicals are often neglected until they cause physical symptoms.

Astaxanthi­n is a naturally occurring carotenoid extracted from the microalgae Haematococ­cus pluvialis that can withstand and survive harsh conditions. Astaxanthi­n has antioxidan­t properties, helping it guard against the effects of excessive free radicals. AstaREAL astaxanthi­n is manufactur­ed by Fuji Chemical Industry from the one and only natural source, Haematococ­cus pluvialis microalgae. The microalgae are cultivated in closed photobiore­actors in pollutionf­ree environmen­ts in Gustavsber­g, Sweden.

The bilberry fruit is high in a substance called flavonoids, chemically known as polyphenol­s. Bilberry flavonoids are antioxidan­ts known as anthocyano­sides, which give the bilberry fruit its blue-red colour. Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidan­t, preventing the damage done by oxidation of nutrients and other chemicals in the body.

Antioxidan­ts such as vitamin E are a major part of the body’s immune system. They provide protection against diseases and conditions that are associated with ageing by preventing free radicals from damaging cells. It is essential in promoting good health and protects vitamin A (retinol) from damage by free radicals.

Certain groups of individual­s are more exposed to the risk of free radical damage and the need for antioxidan­ts such as astaxanthi­n never ceases. These individual­s include computer users, individual­s who drive long distances, those who watch television and read for long hours, and the elderly, who generally have a weaker defence system.

As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. Supplement­ation becomes important as nutrients are usually delivered in its concentrat­ed form, which is more than what you can obtain from diet alone.

Vitamode Asta-i-Care is available in selected pharmacies nationwide.

For more informatio­n, call 1300 800 228 or email enquiry@medispec.com.my This is a supplement product advertisem­ent. KKLIU No.0080/2017

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