Antioxidants, aging and exerciseFree radicals, aging and antioxidantsExercise and antioxidants during aging
Characteristics associated with aging and exercise
(Source: Blumberg and Halpner, 1999)
Free radicals, aging and antioxidants
It has been hypothesized that a main cause of the aging process and the development of chronic disease in older people may be the cumulative damage to lipids in cell membranes, DNA, and sub-cellular membranes and structures, by reactive forms of oxygen.
These reactive forms include free radicals such as superoxide, hydroxyl, and peroxyl radicals. Free radicals seem to play an important role in the initiation or promotion of some common chronic diseases among older people, such as:
|
|
No rigorous testing has demonstrated that anti-oxidants can extend life-span, but it is believed, that antioxidants may help reduce the development of some aging symptoms and the risk of chronic diseases associated with old age.
A number of studies have demonstrated that a high intake of dietary anti-oxidants, such as vitamins C, A, and E, or carotenoids, was correlated with a lower incidence of so-called "aging" diseases, and/or was shown to reduce the onset of oxidative damage in human or animal models for those diseases.
Astaxanthin is a powerful biological antioxidant, especially effective at preventing lipid peroxidation, with up to 500 higher efficacy than vitamin E, and up to 10 times stronger than beta-carotene.
Anticancer properties of astaxanthin in animal or human cell models have also been partially attributed to its strong antioxidant properties. It should however, be noted that no human clinical studies demonstrating any such effect have yet been reported.
Exercise and antioxidants during agingRegular exercise is often cited as a good way to stay young and healthy, and in many ways it is.
However, we should remember that when exercising, our body's oxygen consumption increases, especially in the muscles, where increased production of superoxide takes place.
- Superoxide is believed to damage cell membranes and muscle fibers.
- Oxidative damage and injury of muscle tissues can result from overly strenuous exercise.
- Intensive physical activity in older individuals may affect dietary requirements for antioxidants.
The effects of dietary intake of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene or astaxanthin, have been studied during intensive physical activity of animal models or humans.
Such studies have led some authors to recommend the intake of antioxidants, such as vitamin E or astaxanthin during exercise.
Copyright © 2004,2005,2006,2007 by Mera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized copying, distribution, or adaptation is strictly prohibited.