The first group below consists of the most important antioxidants, defined by Dr. Lester Packer as the Antioxidant Network. The second group comprises other antioxidants that are valuable but not as important as the Antioxidant Network group. We'll call this group the Secondary Antioxidant Group.

The Antioxidant Network Group:

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is water soluble. Because of this, it makes it a great free radical scavenger in the body fluids such as the blood. Vitamin C has also been shown to guard against atherosclerosis by preventing damage to artery walls.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E prevents the oxidation of lipids (fats). It prevents the cell's protective coatings from becoming rancid as a result of the attack by free radicals. It also plays a role in the prevention of cataracts caused by free radical damage.

Coenzyme - Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a coenzyme produced in the body that plays a vital role in the production of cellular energy. It is also a fat soluble antioxidant that protects the fatty part of the cell from free radicals. As we get older, our production of Co Q10 decreases. That is why supplementation of Co Q10 is important.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Research shows that Alpha-Lipoic Acid is one of the most important antioxidants, if not the most important. Here's one of the many reasons why.

All cells have a fat barrier that keeps the water soluble components that are inside the cell separate from the water soluble components that are outside of the cell. Other antioxidants are either water soluble or fat soluble but not both which means that they are not able to access both the fatty and watery areas of the cells.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid however is both fat and water soluble which means that it can access both the fatty and watery areas of the cells. This allows Alpha-Lipoic Acid to deal with free radicals wherever they are. When you read about all the things that Alpha-Lipoic Acid does, it makes you want to insure that you have adequate amounts in your body at all times!

The body does not produce very large amounts of Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Also, because it is found in only a few foods, it makes sense to take Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplements.


Glutathione
Glutathione is a protein that is produced by the liver from the amino acids glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine. Glutathione is the cell's main antioxidant. It is found in greater quantities in the cell than any other antioxidant.

It has been discovered however that using glutathione supplements may not be the best way to make sure you have adequate levels of this very important antioxidant. That is because it has been found that only very small amounts of glutathione can pass intact from the digestive tract all the way to the cells. It has been also found that one of the best ways to assist the production of glutathione is with Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplements.

The Secondary Antioxidant Group:

Flavonoids
Flavonoids are chemical compounds that plants produce to protect themselves from damage to their cells. Plants produce them also to prevent against bacteria and parasites. Flavonoids are believed to reduce inflammation, bolster immune function and improve memory and concentration. They are even used to treat attention deficit disorder. Flavonoids are found in abundance in plants, fruits and vegetables and plant based beverages.

Carotenoids
Carotenoids are fat soluble pigments that are found in yellow, red, green and orange vegetables and fruits. There are over 500 carotenoids found in nature but the most studied have been alpha carotene, beta carotene, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Because of some of the controversy that has surrounded studies of beta carotene when beta carotene has been tested on its own with non conclusive results, it is best to take beta carotene as a supplement when it is part of a carotenoid complex.