Oxidative Stress: Facts You Should Know

What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which may lead to cell and tissue disruption[1]. Oxidative stress occurs naturally and may play a role in the natural aging process[2].

Several factors may contribute to increased levels of oxidative stress, these include diet, lifestyle and environmental factors.

What are free radicals?
Free radicals are molecules with one or more unpaired electrons[3].

Cells contain small structures called mitochondria, which work to generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)[4]. Mitochondria combine oxygen and glucose to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP⁴. Free radicals arise as natural by-products of this metabolic process⁴.

The effects of oxidative stress
Oxidative stress may have several side effects.  Long term oxidative stress may disrupt bodily tissue, including lipids, proteins and DNA¹. Oxidative stress may also be linked to chronic inflammation conditions¹. Long-term oxidative stress may also play a role in the aging process¹.

What are antioxidants?
An antioxidant is a substance that may be able to neutralise the effects of oxidative stress by donating a spare electron to help stabilise the free radical[5]. Examples of natural antioxidants include vitamin A, C, E and Ubiquinol, the active form of coenzyme q10 (coq10)⁵.

Health Benefits of Ubiquinol
Ubiquinol, the active form of coq10, is a fat-soluble compound found naturally in the body[6]. It is found in every cell and supports cellular energy production⁶. Ubiquinol also helps support cardiovascular health, support sperm motility and morphology, and supports general health and wellbeing⁶.

Ubiquinol is a powerful antioxidant and may help to relieve the effects of oxidative stress[7]. However, our bodies’ natural levels of ubiquinol decline as we age, starting from around age 30⁷.

Seek advice from a healthcare practitioner to determine if supplementation is right for you. Always read the label.

[1] Pizzino, G., Irrera, N., Cucinotta, M., Pallio, G., Mannino, F., & Arcoraci, V. et al. (2017). Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxidative Medicine And Cellular Longevity, 2017, 1-13. doi: 10.1155/2017/8416763.

[2] Liguori, I., Russo, G., Curcio, F., Bulli, G., Aran, L., & Della-Morte, D. et al. (2018). Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases. Clinical Interventions In Aging, Volume 13, 757-772. doi: 10.2147/cia.s158513

[3]Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A., & Chandra, N. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), 118. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.70902

[4] Mitochondrion – much more than an energy converter | British Society for Cell Biology. (2021). Retrieved 16 February 2021, from https://bscb.org/learning-resources/softcell-e-learning/mitochondrion-much-more-than-an-energy-converter/

[5] Antioxidants. (2021). Retrieved 16 February 2021, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/

[6] Saini R. (2011). Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 3(3), 466–467. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-7406.84471

[7] Barcelos, I., & Haas, R. (2019). CoQ10 and Aging. Biology, 8(2), 28. doi: 10.3390/biology8020028.