Antioxidant Supplementation and Free Radicals Quelling; the Pros and Cons
B. K. Myke-Mbata *
Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Basic and Allied Medical Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
S. C. Meludu
Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
C. E. Dioka
Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits oxidation of biomolecules by free radicals. Its primary role is to decrease or inhibit synthesis, scavenge and neutralise the effects of free radicals. A delicate balance is often maintained between antioxidant and free radical. Free radicals being highly active, can react with various important classes of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, lipids and proteins, altering their normal redox state leading to an aberration in their role in cellular metabolism/regulation and tissue structural architecture ultimately leading to cellular injury or death which is known to be deleterious to health. However, free radical is also beneficial to health, if this balance is maintained. Therefore, this review will be throwing light on the relationship between antioxidant and free radicals. Some insight into the benefits of free radical were discussed.
Keywords: Antioxidant, Free radical, antioxidant supplementation, oxidative stress, benefits of free radical.