Antioxidants in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases

In fact, we all need antioxidants to live active lives and feel good for many years to come. Women often take antioxidants to keep their skin firm and youthful, and rightly so. But these substances are also needed by the cells inside the body, where their work is not so noticeable, but is also very important. They protect the genetic material of eggs, cells of the immune system, and blood vessels... How do they do this, and why does the body need antioxidants? This is what we will talk about.

Free radicals and antioxidants

Antioxidants are our body’s protectors from free radicals. Free radicals are reactive molecules. They damage cells and their contents (including genetic material), disrupt natural processes (division, regeneration, energy production), and cause many unwanted changes in the body.

! For those who want to know more: Free radical activity is caused by the fact that they are missing one electron, an unstable state. Free radicals steal missing electrons from other molecules to fill the void. These reactions do not pass without a trace, such a damaged molecule can no longer fulfill its role in the body, and itself turns into a free radical, or, which also happens quite often, breaks up into two parts, each of which goes in search of the missing electron. The number of free radicals increases like an avalanche. If a free radical encounters molecules inside a cell, it disrupts them or the molecules that make up the cell wall. In the same way, free radicals act on blood cells and the walls of blood vessels, on all other organs and tissues.

Typically, free radicals are byproducts of oxygen oxidation in the body or are “produced” by the body specifically during inflammatory processes. The amount of free radicals in the body is controlled by the body's own antioxidants. An antioxidant, when it encounters a free radical, binds it and makes it inactive.

However, under the influence of factors such as environmental pollution, car exhaust, smoking, ultraviolet radiation, cosmetics with preservatives, contact with pesticides, free radicals are formed in huge quantities and the body’s own antioxidants are not enough to keep them under control. This has a negative impact on health. The reproductive system suffers especially severely, the functioning of many organs, as well as the endocrine and cardiovascular systems, deteriorates, the immune system suffers, and unwanted age-related changes develop.

The use of antioxidant drugs in pediatric practice

Zakharova I.N., Tvorogova T.M., Skorobogatova E.V., Obynochnaya E.G.

GOU DPO Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education of Roszdrav.

Diseases belonging to the class of free radical pathology are common in childhood, due to which drugs with antioxidant effects are widely used in pediatric cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, neonatology, pulmonology, etc. It is known that in the pathogenesis of a large number of diseases, a violation of the stability of biological membranes that are targets for the action of poisons, toxins, drugs, radioactive and ultraviolet radiation. The main process leading to their destruction is free radical lipid peroxidation (LPO). Uncontrolled sex poses a danger to children whose antioxidant defense mechanisms are imperfect. Free radicals are formed in any pathology. Most potentially harmful effects are due to the formation of reactive oxygen species, which act as pro-oxidants and can oxidize other substances. Many reactive oxygen species are free radicals. The most important pro-oxidants and free radicals found in living organisms are hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, ozone, and hypochlorous acid. The process of formation of lipid peroxides in biological membranes is carried out by a free radical mechanism. The peculiarity of chain reactions is that free radicals, when reacting with other molecules, do not disappear, but are converted into other free radicals. Due to their high reactivity, the resulting lipid peroxides pose a significant danger to the body and can have a general damaging effect on the cell. However, humans have effective defense systems that can either prevent the damaging effects of lipid peroxidation products, or inhibit their formation at the stage of oxygen activation, or destroy already formed metabolites. Children are especially sensitive to the effects of adverse environmental factors due to:

• high metabolic rate;
• morphofunctional immaturity of the enzymatic systems of the liver, kidneys, and intestines;
• low stomach acidity;
• increased permeability of the skin and intestinal mucosa;
• high intensity of myelination processes of nerve fibers;
• increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier;
• morphofunctional immaturity of the immune system.

Premature newborns are characterized by immaturity of the antioxidant system and uneven formation of its individual components, which depends on gestational age and characteristics of intrauterine development. Promising in neonatology is the study of the role of lipid peroxidation in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, etc. In older children, weakening of antioxidant protection and uncontrolled enhancement of lipid peroxidation processes is one of the important links in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, pathology of the heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, etc.

The pathogenetic role of damage to the membranes of the epithelium of renal tissue in the formation of dysmetabolic nephropathy, calcium nephrolithiasis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and pyelonephritis has been established. Taking into account the fact that many kidney diseases are accompanied by significant activation of lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the content of antioxidants in the blood, along with conventional drug treatment, the prescription of antioxidants during the period of subsiding of the exacerbation of the disease is justified. It has been shown that the course of pyelonephritis in children is accompanied by significant activation of LPO and a decrease in the content of antioxidants in the blood [1, 2, 3, 4]. In this regard, the effectiveness of complex therapy for pyelonephritis largely depends on the degree of protection of cell membranes, which is the basis for the inclusion of antioxidant drugs in complex therapy. Antioxidants are used in pediatric gastroenterology - in patients with gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, chronic pancreatitis. When studying the enzymatic link of the antioxidant system in patients with exacerbation of chronic gastroduodenitis, we showed that during the period of exacerbation of the disease in patients, the level of intracellular enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreases, which may indirectly reflect the depletion of the potential of antioxidant protection. As a result of therapy with the use of an antioxidant complex, we noted a statistically significant increase in the level of activity of intracellular enzymes. It has been shown that a low level of antioxidant protection at the time of the onset of remission of the disease can determine the relapsing course of the disease [7]. The toxicity of oxygen and its various mediators in the human body is countered by biological defense mechanisms, which are aimed at inhibiting the processes of free radical oxidation of biomembranes. These include antioxidants, which, when present in small quantities, significantly inhibit or inhibit lipid peroxidation processes. In the body, the natural antioxidant system is represented by enzymes, individual proteins, water- and fat-soluble compounds. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an essential antioxidant. By protecting membranes, tocopherol helps maintain the activity of membrane-bound enzymes. Tocopherol is not synthesized in the human body and is one of the necessary nutritional factors - vitamins. Vitamin E hypovitaminosis is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of free radicals in the liver, heart, muscles and other organs. With tocopherol deficiency, accelerated development of atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, impaired humoral immunity, the development of cardiomyopathy, the appearance of foci of necrosis in the liver, disruption of the structure of neurons, and increased sensitivity of erythrocytes to peroxide hemolysis can be observed. Vitamin E, along with other antioxidant vitamins, plays the role of a natural immunoregulator: stimulates the production of antibodies by suppressing the function of T-suppressors, normalizes the state of cellular and humoral immunity, increases the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, nonspecific resistance of the body to cold and hypoxia, and has a pronounced hepatoprotective effect . Thus, α-tocopherol is one of the most important fat-soluble antioxidants that exhibit membrane protective and antimutagenic activity. Interacting with natural antioxidants of other classes, it is the most important regulator of oxidative homeostasis of cells and the body, an essential component of the antioxidant activity of tissues. Vitamin A (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid) and its provitamins - β-carotene and other carotenoids. The requirement of a healthy adult for vitamin A is 1.5-2 mg (5000-6000 IU) per day. The antioxidant function of vitamin A is expressed in the protection of any biological membranes from damage by reactive oxygen species, in particular, superoxide radicals, singlet oxygen, peroxide radicals, and carcinogens. Dietary antioxidant carotenoids include beta-carotene (yellow-orange vegetables and fruits), alpha-carotene (carrots), lycopene (tomatoes), lutennin and zeaxanthin (dark green leafy vegetables), beta_cryptoxanthin (citrus fruits). The drug Bioflavonoids are characterized by high antioxidant activity. Flavonoids include quercetin, kaemferol, myricetin, apigenin, and luteolin. The main source of flavonoids are plant products (strawberries, rose hips, viburnum, raspberries, chokeberries, green tea leaves, lemon, unripe walnuts, milk thistle fruits). One of the most famous representatives of this group is vitamin P (rutin). Food products contain antioxidants of plant origin. So, in soybeans - isaflavones, phenolic acids, in green and black tea - polyphenols, catechins, in coffee - phenolic esters, in red wine - phenolic acid, in rosemary, sage - carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, in citrus fruits - bioflavonoids , chalcones, in onions - quercetin, kaempferol, olives - polyphenols. Bioflavonoids are used as a means of preventing atherosclerosis, antihypoxants, antiallergic agents, and reduce the toxic effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs and tetracycline antibiotics. Water-soluble antioxidants include vitamin C, which is not synthesized and is not stored in the human body. Present in most food products, however, it is quickly destroyed during storage, heating, access to oxygen and exposure to light. Upon oxidation, it undergoes dehydrogenation with the formation of dehydroascorbic acid, which easily passes through cell membranes, being a transport form of vitamin C. The antioxidant functions of ascorbic acid are carried out by binding and inactivating reactive oxygen species and organic peroxides; protecting low-density lipoproteins and other lipids from oxidative damage; ability to restore the oxidized form of vitamin E. Sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, melon, cauliflower and white cabbage, green vegetables, black currants. It is known that during long-term storage of fruits and vegetables and during cooking, vitamin C is significantly destroyed, which can lead to a decrease in the supply of vitamin C to the child’s body. Glutathione is one of many organic compounds containing a reactive sulfhydryl group that is capable of oxidation and participation in redox reactions. Glutathione plays a key role in protecting cells and the intracellular environment from reactive oxygen species. Glutathione molecules do not penetrate the cell membrane, therefore, when administered exogenously, it is quickly oxidized in the blood plasma and its concentration quickly decreases. Ceruloplasmin, a glycoprotein, being the main extracellular antioxidant in the blood, inhibits LPO by 50%, acting as an antioxidant “interceptor” in areas of inflammation, where phagocytic cells release a lot of reactive oxygen species. Selenium, which is part of the most important antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, has a pronounced antioxidant effect. With selenium deficiency, disorders occur from:

• immune system (risk of viral and bacterial infections, neoplasms);
• skin (dermatitis, eczema);
• cardiovascular system (myocardial dystrophy, heart attacks);
• liver (hypercholesterolemia, violation of protein synthetic, detoxification functions);
• thyroid gland (decreased production of hormones T3, T4;
• hair (premature loss, poor growth);
• eye (cataract, glaucoma);
• connective tissue (arthritis, rheumatic diseases).
• The highest selenium content is in olive oil, wheat bran, olives, and pistachios.

Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) is a lipid-soluble compound from the class of benzoquinones with a long hydrophobic side chain. Coenzyme Q is a structural and functional component of mitochondria, playing a special role in the functioning of their respiratory chain. Coenzyme Q10, being a coenzyme and an essential component of the respiratory chain, carries out active electron transfer in the multienzyme chain of mitochondria, and also participates in ensuring the relationship between electron transport and the process of fatty acid oxidation. No less important is its antioxidant function. The fundamental difference between Coenzyme Q10 and other antioxidants is its ability to restore its antioxidant activity after oxidation. The antioxidant activity of coenzyme Q10 is more than 2 times higher than that of a standard complex of antioxidant vitamins. Antioxidants can interact with each other and have complementary effects, due to which one antioxidant protects another from destruction. Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) is an antioxidant produced in the human body that is capable of restoring vitamin E. Bioflavonoids also play a similar role, interacting synergistically with other antioxidants, preserving and enhancing their activity.

There are other types of beneficial antioxidant interactions. Thus, vitamin E is able to protect the beta-carotene molecule from oxidation, which contributes to its antioxidant effect. Vitamin E and the trace element selenium act as synergists. Taking into account such interactions, it is possible to create drugs from a combination of antioxidants that are most effective. Examples of such drugs are Vetoron and Kudesan.

Vetoron is a domestic product containing water-soluble beta-carotene, vitamin E and C. The advantages of the water-soluble form of beta-carotene over the oil form are increased bioavailability, as well as a high concentration of beta-carotene (tens of times higher than in oil forms). The use of Vetoron as part of complex therapy in patients with pyelonephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis at the rate of 1 drop per year of life for 2 weeks (maximum 9 drops per day) contributes to the positive dynamics of urinary syndrome (relief of leukocyturia and erythrocyturia, reduction of daily excretion of protein, membrane-bound and lysosomal enzymes in the urine), which indicates the restoration of the tubular epithelium and justifies its purpose [4]. Antioxidants are used in the rehabilitation of frequently and long-term ill children. Studies conducted at the Department of Outpatient Pediatrics of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education show that taking the drug Vetoron in children with frequent and long-term acute respiratory infections was accompanied by normalization of LPO, an increase in the antioxidant activity of blood serum by 36% compared to the initial level, and the MDA content in the blood and saliva decreased by 28 and 24% relative to the initial level, respectively [5]. The authors showed that a 2-month course of treatment with Vetoron in 94% of cases leads to the elimination of immune dysfunction in frequently ill children. In an open clinical study of the tolerability and safety of the drug Vetoron conducted at our department in 134 children aged 1 to 7 years, no toxic or other adverse effects were noted [6].

Kudesan is a domestic product that contains water-soluble ubiquinone and vitamin E. Kudesan is created on the basis of molecular microencapsulation technology, which promotes better absorption and increased bioavailability (translation of a fat-soluble substance into the form of an aqueous solution).

In recent years, research has been conducted on the use of Kudesan in various fields of medicine, including pediatrics. The results of studies in pediatric cardiology indicate a decrease in the activation of lipid peroxidation processes and an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood serum, an improvement in repolarization processes on the electrocardiogram in children with cardiac diseases [9, 10, 11]. We assessed the effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 (Kudesan) in children and adolescents with vegetative dystonia with cardiac changes [12]. The inclusion of Coenzyme Q10 (Kudesana) drugs in the treatment of vegetative dystonia occurring with cardiac changes significantly increases the effectiveness of therapy. Prescribing Kudesan in therapeutic doses for a month gives a fairly quick positive effect in the form of normalization or significant improvement of the processes of repolarization, conductivity, excitability, as well as a decrease in the duration of asystole (at night) and the number of episodes of cardiac pacemaker migration. We have shown that the use of Kudesan in patients with autonomic dysfunctions helps to increase exercise tolerance. Therapy with Kudesan helps correct myocardial dysfunction in adolescents with increased blood pressure, as one of the manifestations of autonomic dystonia. The general effect of using Kudesan is to reduce the symptoms of intoxication and asthenia in children. The energy-tropic and antioxidant effect of Kudesan allows it to be recommended as a drug of choice in the treatment of vegetative dystonia that has developed against the background of residual changes in the central nervous system, in the presence of foci of infection in the nasopharynx, hypo- and hyperdynamia, and excess body weight [12].

The use of Kudesan in patients with pyelonephritis helps to reduce the activity of lipid peroxidation, increase the antioxidant activity of blood serum, reduce the excretion of oxalates in the urine, the frequency of exacerbations of pyelonephritis, and helps achieve stable remission of pyelonephritis. Kudesan can be used in complex therapy of pyelonephritis in children at a dose of 0.7-0.8 mg/kg body weight based on ubiquinone for 3-4 weeks. The use of the drug Kudesan in the complex therapy of pyelonephritis in children during the subsidence of the acute phase of the disease helps to reduce the activity of lipid peroxidation by normalizing the degree of lipid oxidation, i.e. the amount of membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are included in the process of free radical oxidation, and helps reduce the production of primary lipid peroxidation products - diene conjugates. Treatment with Kudesan increases the activity of antioxidant intracellular enzymes - superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase. However, a significant increase in catalase activity was noted when taking 60 mg of the drug per day, regardless of body weight. Kudesan increases the antioxidant activity of plasma.

Thus, analyzing the data obtained, we can conclude that the use of Kudesan helps to reduce LPO activity and increase the activity of intracellular enzymes, as well as the antioxidant activity of plasma in general. However, the use of Kudesan has a dose-dependent effect. The administration of “small” doses of Kudesan [0.8 mg/kg of body weight based on ubiquinone (1.5 mg of ubiquinone is contained in 1 drop of the drug)] is the most physiological, taking into account the above-described features of its effect on LPO and the antioxidant system. The drug Kudesan can be recommended in the complex therapy of pyelonephritis in children with the aim of increasing antioxidant protection and reducing lipid peroxidation activity [4, 13].

Thus, the effectiveness of complex therapy for most diseases largely depends on the degree of protection of the structure and function of cell membranes, which is why for almost any pathology during the period of exacerbation of the pathological process, the inclusion of antioxidant drugs in therapy is justified.

Literature:

Rzhevskaya O.N., Korovina N.A. // Urology and nephrology – 1984.-№6.-P.56-60.

Korovina N.A., Rzhevskaya O.N., Israilov A.G. Pathogenetic rationale for rational antioxidant therapy for kidney diseases in children. // Pediatrics.-1992.-No. 5, pp. 82-86.

Vozianov A.F., Maydannik V.G., Bidny V.G., Bagdasarova I.V. Fundamentals of pediatric nephrology. //Kyiv “Book-plus”, -2002, pp. 22-87.

Zakharova I.N. Clinical and pathogenetic aspects of tubulointerstitial kidney diseases in children. Author's abstract. diss. Doctor of Medical Sciences - Moscow. - 2001-48s.

Prilepina I.A., Shilina N.M., Kopytko M.V. and others. Nutritional correction of the health status of children with reduced resistance in preschool institutions. - Issues of pediatric dietology. - volume 2. - No. 2. - 2004.

Korovina N.A., Zakharova I.N., Zaplatnikov A.A., Obynochnaya E.G. Vitamins and microelements in the practice of a pediatrician//RMZh.-t.12.-No.1.-2004.-p.48-55.

Korovina N.A., Zakharova I.N., Skorobogatova E.V. Antioxidants for exacerbation of chronic gastroduodenitis in children//Vrach.-2007.-No. 9.-p.79-81.

Derimedved L.V. Antioxidants in cardiology: characteristics of the most used drugs // Pharmacist.-1998.-No. 13.

Shkolnikova M.A., Bereznitskaya V.V. Report on research work on the topic: “Study of the action of “Kudesan” in tachyarrhythmias.” Sat. Antioxidant drug Kudesan, application in cardiology. M., 2006: 83-90.

Balykova L.N., Abdulkavi A.M. Report on the use of the drug "Kudesan" in children with heart rhythm and conduction disorders. Sat. Antioxidant drug Kudesan, application in cardiology. M., 2006: 90-97.

Aronov D.M. Application of Coenzyme Q10 in cardiological practice. RMJ. 2004; 12(15): 905-909.

Tvorogova T.M., Zakharova I.N., Korovina N.A., Tarasova A.A., Khrunova K.M., Popandupolo G.G. Therapy with coenzyme Q10 (Kudesan): focus on cardiac changes in vegetative dystonia in children and adolescents.//Pediatrics.-2009.-t.87.-No.2.-p.86-91.

Zakharova I.N., Obynochnaya E.G., Skorobogatova E.V., Malashina O.A. The influence of the ubiquinone-based antioxidant - Kudesan on the activity of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection in pyelonephritis in children. // Pediatrics. - 2005. - No. 4.

Lankin V.Z., Kapelko V.I., Ruuge E.K., Tikhaze A.K., Belenkov Yu.N. COENZYME Q: PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTION AND PROSPECTS FOR USE IN COMPLEX THERAPY OF CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM DISEASES. A manual for doctors. – M: Medpraktika-M, 2008. – p.22

Types of antioxidants

There are two types of antioxidants - those that the body produces itself (for example, coenzyme Q10), and those that we get from food. They are called endogenous (“born inside”) and exogenous (“born without”), respectively.

These substances may have different structures and belong to different classes of compounds. Their properties may have:

• minerals (selenium, zinc);
• some vitamins (C, E);
• some flavonoids (for example, rutin, catechin and others);
• carotenoids (lycopene and beta-carotene) and other substances.

Antioxidants and women's reproductive health

In some situations and conditions, a woman’s need for antioxidants increases or they are required to support a particular function and preserve women’s health.

Taking oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives (COCs), or birth control pills as they are called, are hormones that not only prevent pregnancy, but also affect other processes. In particular, they suppress the synthesis of the body’s own antioxidants, change the blood clotting system, increase the load on the liver and damage it. Therefore, oral contraceptives, unfortunately, have side effects: bleeding, increased blood viscosity, deterioration of small vessels, darkening of the skin, chest pain. Taking antioxidants helps eliminate some of the side effects: vitamins A and E, rutin and vitamin C. Vitamin E, together with vitamin C and A, participate in the regulation of ovarian function, protect liver cells from damage when taking COCs, vitamin E normalizes blood viscosity, rutin with vitamin They prevent the appearance of spider veins and dark circles under the eyes. And what is very important, antioxidant support when taking birth control pills will help restore your cycle faster after stopping them.

Preparing for pregnancy and pregnancy after 35 years

After 35 years, the ovaries (and the entire reproductive system) begin to work less actively. The reserves of eggs are gradually depleted, and the hormonal balance also shifts towards “slowing down” the reproductive function. This means that the chances of pregnancy gradually decrease, although the woman can still become a mother. However, it is worth considering that the condition of the reproductive system and the entire body is somewhat worse than at twenty years old - previous diseases, unfavorable life factors, age-related changes, and the use of certain medications and contraceptives have an effect. Therefore, women over 35 years of age have a higher risk of pregnancy complications. In addition, the older the woman, the higher the risk of having a child with genetic abnormalities. This is due to the fact that the amount of damaged DNA in the ovaries increases with age.

But the rate at which women's reproductive systems begin to age can be changed with the help of antioxidants. They will protect the eggs from damage, help the body cope with the negative consequences of chronic diseases and bad habits, and thereby increase the chances of pregnancy, and during pregnancy they will reduce the risk of complications.

Mastopathy

Scientists have found that mastopathy is closely related to an increased amount of free radicals in the body. Therefore, for mastopathy, women are often prescribed antioxidants. The most effective in this case are coenzyme Q10, beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins A and E. In addition to their direct effect, these substances enhance the therapeutic activity of other drugs, eliminate or weaken their side effects, stabilize the nervous system and strengthen the immune system. Antioxidants are taken both during treatment and for the prevention of mastopathy. So, if a woman is at risk for mastopathy (relatives with mastopathy, age over 35 years, late first birth, prolonged breastfeeding, abortion), then taking antioxidant drugs will reduce the risk of tumors in the breast.

Causes and signs of deficiency

With insufficient intake of antioxidants into the body, people lose clarity of thinking, decrease efficiency, weaken the immune system, deteriorate vision, and develop chronic diseases. Antioxidants speed up the healing process, help increase life expectancy, and reduce tissue damage.

Let's consider the reasons for the depletion of carotenoids, minerals, vitamins in the human body and what enhances the formation of free radicals:

1. Exposure to heat.
2. Stress.
3. Pollution of the atmosphere, water, pesticides, household chemicals.
4. Tobacco smoking.
5. Ultraviolet rays of the sun, radiation.
6. Injuries and wounds.
7. Excessive physical activity.
8. Infection with parasites, viruses, bacteria.
9. Lack of natural antioxidants in the diet.
10. Hypoxia.

Symptoms of antioxidant deficiency in the body:

• apathy;
• dry skin;
• fast fatiguability;
• increased irritability, nervousness;
• decreased visual acuity, sexual function;
• bleeding gums;
• muscle weakness;
• frequent infectious diseases;
• goose bumps on the elbows;
• low performance;
• poor sleep;
• depression;
• loss of teeth, hair;
• the appearance of premature wrinkles, rashes;
• growth slowdown.

In case of individual intolerance to vitamins and minerals - antioxidants, the need for compounds is reduced.

Antioxidant vitamins for women: types

Vitamins with a pronounced antioxidant effect include:

• Vitamin C. Protects capillaries and blood vessels, blood and immune system cells, as well as skin. Restores the normal course of biochemical reactions, especially those related to energy production. Together with rutin, it is needed by small vessels. Returns activity to vitamin E.
• Vitamin E. Particularly effective in protecting cell walls, skin, sex hormones and eggs from free radicals. Participates in the functioning of the blood coagulation system.
• Beta-carotene (provitamin A). It is converted into antioxidant vitamin A in the body or used independently. Beta-carotene has its own antioxidant activity, protects many body systems, including reproductive, and reduces the impact of harmful external factors (radiation, pollution) on the body.

Foods that contain large amounts of vitamin C, A, E

These vitamins have a whole range of beneficial properties. In order for them to be preserved in food products in the required volume, they must be eaten raw or semi-cooked. Foods rich in vitamin C include potatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, viburnum, kiwi, and wild garlic.

Foods high in vitamin E include cereals, nuts, sprouted grains, cod liver, dried fruits, and seafood. Vitamin A is found in sufficient quantities in pumpkin, butter, carrots, cottage cheese, seaweed, eggs, and sour cream.

There are products that contain a complex of antioxidant vitamins. An example is red beans. In addition to the indicated group, it contains potassium, copper, and iron. This product cleanses the body of toxins and improves blood sugar levels. It is used mainly in boiled form.

Blueberries are a storehouse of vitamins. It additionally contains B vitamins, selenium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Helps eliminate ophthalmological problems, relieves inflammatory reactions in gastrointestinal diseases, accelerates skin healing.

There is a large amount of pectin, vitamins, and tannins in prunes. Dried fruit increases hemoglobin levels and normalizes intestinal motility. It has a disinfecting and antitoxic effect.

How to get antioxidants?

Antioxidants are found primarily in fruits and vegetables. The leaders in the content of these substances are cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, artichokes and pinto beans (red variegated). For example, orange and red fruits contain a lot of beta-carotene and other carotenoids. Tea, nuts, seeds and seaweed are rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidants are sensitive to heat, long-term storage and are damaged during cooking and processing of foods. Therefore, only fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables are the source of these substances.

In addition, it is worth remembering that the content of antioxidants in a particular plant strongly depends not only on storage, but also on growing conditions, variety, and degree of ripeness. So it's really impossible to assess whether the diet contains enough antioxidants, even if a woman eats the proverbial "5 green servings" per day. Therefore, it is wiser to take antioxidant complexes to provide the body with these substances.

Antioxidant complexes

When choosing an antioxidant complex for women, first of all, pay attention not only to what substances are included in the complex, but also to their quantity. If you live in a large industrial city or area with an unfavorable environmental situation, are over 35 years old, suffer from mastopathy or chronic diseases, or take hormonal contraceptives, then your need for antioxidants is increased.

Pay attention to the Synergin antioxidant complex. It contains 6 natural antioxidants in high dosages: ascorbic acid, rutin, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and beta-carotene. These substances act synergistically, that is, together they work more effectively than separately. It is important that Synergin contains both water-soluble and lipophilic antioxidants. This allows you to protect all cells, tissues and environments (blood, intercellular fluid) of the body.

THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISING. THE MATERIAL WAS PREPARED WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF EXPERTS.

Daily norm

For the normal functioning of the nervous system and maintaining the health of internal organs, it is recommended to consume daily antioxidant vitamins and minerals in the following dosage:

• zinc – 8 milligrams for women, 11 milligrams for men (if you follow a strict vegetarian diet or raw food diet, the daily intake should be increased by 50% of the indicated dose, since the body absorbs less compounds from plant foods than from animals);
• selenium – 55 micrograms;
• vitamin E – 15 milligrams;
• ascorbic acid – 75 milligrams for women, 90 milligrams for men (smokers are recommended to increase the dosage by 45%, to 110, 125 milligrams, respectively)
• vitamin A – from 1 to 1.5 milligrams;
• copper – 2.5 milligrams;
• chromium – from 100 to 150 micrograms;
• manganese – from 3.0 to 4.0 milligrams;
• beta-carotene – from 3.0 to 6.0 milligrams.

Remember, a person’s daily need for antioxidants depends on the state of health, the presence of concomitant diseases, gender and age of the person.