Mechanisms of Action
Oxidative Stress
An imbalance between free radical production and the body's antioxidant defenses.
Oxidative stress occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) overwhelms the body's antioxidant defense capacity. This imbalance leads to oxidative damage of cellular components — lipid peroxidation of membranes, protein oxidation affecting enzyme function, and DNA damage potentially leading to mutations. Oxidative stress is implicated in aging, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, cancer, and hair follicle dysfunction. Antioxidant supplements (vitamin C, vitamin E, NAC, CoQ10) aim to restore the oxidant-antioxidant balance.