You have probably heard about antioxidants at some point in your life. These substances protect our bodies from oxidative stress, which accelerates the aging process and is largely capable of damaging our cells and even our DNA. It is therefore no surprise that more and more people are leaning towards supplementing with antioxidants. But finding the right product is not easy. There are countless different antioxidants, all of which behave differently and have different health benefits. For this reason, we've put together a comparison of the best antioxidants on the market to help you choose.
The 8 best antioxidants
| Ranking | Image | Product | Main advantages | Price | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
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Czech Virus Algastin | Contains natural Astaxanthin and Vitamin E, Pack of 60 daily doses, Fair price | $19,96 | Best price More information |
| 2. |
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Viridian Organic Ashwagandha Extract | Contains BIO Ashwagandha and two other substances, Pack of 60 daily doses, Price matches the quality | Best price More information | |
| 3. |
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Vilgain Biltong | Contains S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione and Organic Turmeric, Pack of 100 daily servings, Fair price | Best price More information | |
| 4. |
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MedPharma Ostropestřec | Contains milk thistle and six other substances, Pack of 67 daily doses, Conveniently priced | Best price More information | |
| 5. |
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Vilgain Clear Whey Isolate | Contains beta carotene, Pack of 100 daily doses, Very low price | Best price More information | |
| 6. |
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Vilgain Joint Support | Contains biotin and alpha-lipoic acid, Pack of 60 daily doses, Higher price | Best price More information | |
| 7. |
|
Now Foods CoQ10 | Contains coenzyme Q10, Pack of 50 or 150 daily doses, Larger packs are worth much more per dose | Best price More information | |
| 8. |
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Vilgain Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix | Contains organic turmeric, Pack of 60 daily doses, Higher price | Best price More information |
Detailed analysis of the best antioxidants
Do you want an antioxidant that really has a kick? Czech Virus has prepared its Algastin Natural Astaxanthin for fans of quality supplements and we have to say that it really appealed to us. Astaxanthin is the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidant. However, it's not easy to take it in a natural diet, so it's worth considering supplementing with it.
Benefits:
- Extremely powerful antioxidant
- Two months' worth of antioxidant
- First-class workmanship
- Proven manufacturer
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
You will see Czech Virus products in our comparisons almost every time. It is one of the leading sellers of supplements in the Czech Republic, which is known for the high quality of its products. In the repertoire of this brand you will find all the important supplements that no worker can do without. We at MyFitnessio also have a lot of experience with Czech Virus supplements. Examples are the reviews of the Beast Virus pre-workout and Joint Max joint nutrition.
In one dose (1 capsule) you will find:
- 4 mg of natural Astaxanthin
- 14.9 mg of vitamin E
As I wrote above, Astaxanthin is the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidant. According to the manufacturer itself, it is 800 times more potent than coenzyme Q10 and even 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C. But it occurs naturally, primarily in salmon, lobster and certain types of algae. Taking it naturally is therefore not easy. Astaxanthin supports immunity, the functioning of the cardiovascular system, protects the skin from UV damage and is also said to support brain function.
Final assessment:
Given the limited occurrence of Astaxanthin, it is definitely worth considering supplementation, especially after taking into account its positive effects on human health. The only drawback of this product is the price. Algastin Natural Astaxanthin is far from being one of the cheapest products on the market, but on the other hand, we must admit thatgiven the content of the active substance and the quality of the overall processing, the higher price is understandable. Ultimately, we can therefore highly recommend Algastin Natural Astaxanthin.
The next place was taken by Viridian's Organic Ashwagandha extract. As is evident from the name, we find here primarily Organic Ashwagandha, but the manufacturer did not deprive us of naturally occurring withanolides and Siberian ginseng extract. The final product is packed with effective antioxidants, but apart from them we do not find anything else. In fact, the Viridian brand is known for avoiding the use of unnecessary fillers and ballast binders. Therefore, you will find only the active ingredients in the herbal capsule.
Benefits:
- First-class processing quality
- Highly effective antioxidants
- Wide spectrum of active ingredients
- Raw materials sourced from small local producers
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
British company Viridian takes great pride in being environmentally friendly, withViridian prides itself on the natural origin of its products and, above all, on their premium quality. This means that all of its products are 100% bioactive, the capsules used are of plant origin and contain no artificial substances. This strategy is really paying off for Viridian, because thanks to its quality it can enjoy more and more popularity on the European market. At MyFitnessio you could come across Viridian products, for example, in the ranking of the best zinc supplements or in the comparison of the best nootropics.
In one dose (1 capsule) you will find:
- 300 mg of Bio Ashwagandha
- 70 mg Bio Siberian Ginseng
- 15 mg of withanolides
Ashwagandha (also known as Indian ginseng) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a source of energy and a very effective antioxidant. It is also a powerful adaptogen, so it helps the body cope with stress. The group of adaptogens also includes withanolides. These are other active substances found in Indian ginseng. To make matters worse, Organic Ashwagandha extract also contains Siberian ginseng root powder, which enhances the overall effect of the product. We must not forget the extremely pure composition, the absence of ballast binders and fillers, the artificialand the use of vegetable capsules, which makes the product suitable for vegans.
Final evaluation:
When evaluating Viridian products, we always highlight their pure composition, quality workmanship and the excellent choice of ingredients used. We also always mention the high price, which is justified given the ingredients used. Today is no different. Organic Ashwagandha extract is simply a typical Viridian product. You will have to pay extra for it, but it will delight you with its amazing quality and first-class effect. Nothing more needs to be said.
Speaking of quality products that you have to pay a little extra for, we must not forget about S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione from BrainMax. This is a unique dietary supplement containing the antioxidant glutathione in an extremely well utilized form combined with an acetyl functional group. Organic turmeric, which is also known for its antioxidant effects, has been used as a capsule filler.
Benefits:
- Extremely well usable form of the antioxidant glutathione
- High quality processing
- Turmeric is used as a filler
- The pack lasts up to 100 days
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
The Czech brand BrainMax is responsible for dietary supplements combining the latest scientific knowledge and the natural power of nature. However, it is not a classic supplement manufacturer. BrainMax focuses on dietary supplements that support brain function and productivity. Its repertoire therefore includes mainly high-quality vitamins, minerals or even less common products such as blue light glasses. From BrainMax, we have found the magnesium Energy Magnesium or the productivity support blend Neurohacker Manifesto to be a good example .
In one dose (1 capsule) you will find:
- 100 mg of S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione
- 400 mg of Organic Turmeric
Glutathione is an antioxidant produced by every cell in the body, but as we age, its natural production gradually decreases. Its supplementation through conventional dietary supplements is not very effective because it is poorly absorbed. In combination with an acetyl functional group, however, these problems disappear and glutathione in this form is, according to the manufacturer, as effective as when administered intravenously. We also appreciate the use of turmeric as a filler in the capsules, thanks to which the manufacturer did not have to resort to unnecessaryuse of ballast fillers and at the same time increased the effectiveness of the product by adding an additional antioxidant.
Final assessment:
It is no surprise that you will have to pay a little extra for S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione from BrainMax, as it is a product from the higher price bracket. On the other hand, you won't have to worry about buying a similar product for the next three months. I won't even comment on the quality and effectiveness of the formula, because from the previous paragraph it is certainly evident that there is nothing to complain about in this respect. In conclusion, I will only add that glutathione supplementation will benefit especially people suffering from highm stress and exhaustion, or those of you who are trying to get rid of toxins and support the health of your liver.
A lot of music for not a lot of money? This is how we could simply describe MedPharma's Milk Thistle. It is the second cheapest product in the entire ranking, which also contains up to seven different active ingredients. In addition to Milk Thistle, we can also find Tolic alfalfa, Fenugreek and many more.
Benefits:
- A large number of active ingredients
- Very low price
- The pack lasts for more than two months
Disadvantages:
- Lower quality formula
About the manufacturer:
MedPharma is a Czech company that has been developing, manufacturing and selling dietary supplements since the early 2000s. MedPharma products are aimed at supporting human health and are characterized by low and affordable prices. It also differs from its competitors in that its repertoire includes cosmetic and medical products. MedPharma products can be found mainly in pharmacies, but are gradually appearing in sports nutrition e-shops. And what has been our experience with MedPharma products? You can find them, for example, in the comparison of the best collagens or the ranking of the best vitamin C.
In one dose (1 tablet) you will find:
- 250 mg of milk thistle
- 50 mg of alfalfa tolice extract
- 25 mg of cream of tansy extract
- 20 mg of black radish extract
- 18.75 mg beetroot extract
- 75 mg choline
- 75 mg inositol
The composition of this product is at first glance the most complex. The key ingredient in the composition is milk thistle, which helps to optimize liver function and supports the body's natural detoxification. Inositol (vitamin B8) is also an important antioxidant, but the other substances mentioned above are also worth mentioning. In addition to these, however, there are also some undesirable substances in the tablets. Examples of all of them are titanium dioxide and povidone K30. Such substances significantly spoil the impression of an otherwise very high-quality and reliable product.
Final assessment:
In terms of price/quality ratio, MedPharma's Milk Thistle performs very well. However, the low price is not everything and attention should also be paid to the composition. In this respect, the manufacturer tempts us with a wide range of antioxidants, but unfortunately, it also adds rather controversial thickeners and dyes. This is not the first time that a product from MedPharma could not rank higher for this reason. However, if you are primarily looking for a supplement at a low price, you will be happy with the product.
We'll stay with the low-end antioxidants for a while. Beta carotene by Vita Harmony has also found its way into our ranking. It is the cheapest product in the whole ranking and the manufacturer decided to bet only on a good dose of beta carotene.
Benefits:
- Extremely low price
- Allergen-free
- Covers the entire daily dose of beta carotene
Disadvantages:
- Contains only one antioxidant
About the Manufacturer:
The VitaHarmony brand is responsible for one of the oldest (if not the oldest) purely Czech multivitamin. In fact, in 1991, the founder of the brand introduced the world to CentralVita, a 30-ingredient multivitamin. A few years later, the VitaHarmony brand itself saw the light of day. It managed to break through thanks to inspiration from overseas companies and subsequent cooperation with its sister company in the USA. The company offers vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, probiotic cultures, herbal teas and much more.
In one dose (1 tablet) you will find:
- 25,000 IU of beta carotene
Beta carotene belongs to the carotenoid group and is an important precursor of vitamin A. Unlike vitamin A, however, it cannot be overdosed, as the body always eliminates excess. It is a very effective antioxidant, whose effect is primarily seen in the summerin the summer months, when it can protect the skin from harmful UV rays. For this reason, it is recommended to supplement it about 1-2 months before a holiday. However, there is no other active ingredient besides it, which is a bit of a pity, because it is always better to supplement several antioxidants at the same time.
Final assessment:
If you're looking for a quality antioxidant at a low price, you'll find yourself with VitaHarmony's beta carotene. Although it contains only one active ingredient, it won't cost you a lot of money and will last you for more than 3 months.and will help you replenish a very important substance that many people completely forget about during the summer months. So if you are going on a holiday to the seaside, or simply have problems with sunbathing in the summer, give beta carotene a chance. You'll see that you won't regret it.
Customers with high demands will certainly be attracted by Alpha-Lipoic Acid with Biotin from Life Extension. This product contains the extremely effective alpha-lipoic acid, which acts as an antioxidant that also supports the functions of other antioxidants. Thanks to this, it increases, for example, the level of glutathione, the importance of which we have already discussed in the analysis of the product from BrainMax.
Benefits:
- Quality workmanship
- Very effective antioxidant
- Proven product
Disadvantages:
- High price
About the Manufacturer:
Life Extension Europe is the company behind the Life Extension brand, which focuses on manufacturing products that support a healthy lifestyle. Behind the production of all products is a single goal - to ensure people live healthier, happier and longer lives. That's why all the brand's products are very strictly controlled to meet the highest standards. We have already shared our experience with Life Extension products with you in our review of Enhanced Super Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics, and you have also seen them in our ranking of the best collagen products.
In one dose (1 capsule) you will find:
- 250 mg of alpha-lipoic acid
- 2500 mcg of biotin
Alpha lipoic acid is one of the most versatile antioxidants. This is due to the fact that it can act both in the extracellular fluid and inside the cell itself. I mentioned above alpha lipoic acid's ability to increase glutathione, but it doesn't stop there. By supplementing with this antioxidant, it is also possible to increase levels of ubiquinone, a derivative of coenzyme Q10 (also an important antioxidant). We must not forget biotin (vitamin B7), which can promote collagen levels and thus maintain healthy and firm skin.
Final assessment:
Clearly the biggest negative of this product is its price. When dosed at one tablet per day, it will set you back more than three times what the product on the first rung costs. However, if you dose two capsules as the manufacturer states, the resulting price for one daily dose will logically double. In that case, one pack will only last you for 30 days and will get quite expensive. This is something you should definitely take into account before buying. However, if you don't mind the higher price, you definitely won't complain.
In our ranking of the best antioxidants, we must not miss CoQ10 from Now Foods. It contains pure coenzyme Q10, which has a number of positive effects on the human body. But again, there's nothing extra here, which is a bit of a shame. However, even coenzyme Q10 itself has a lot to offer, so it is definitely not worth turning a blind eye to this product.
Benefits:
- For a larger package, a good price
- Coenzyme Q10 has many positive effects
- Sufficiently large amounts of the active ingredient
Disadvantages:
- Only one active ingredient
About the Manufacturer:
Now Foods' history dates back to the 1960s. Even then, it took pride in making healthful products that would help people achieve a truly healthy lifestyle. In addition to sports supplements, the company's repertoire includes health foods, cosmetics and even pet food. The Now Foods brand is also known for offering most of its products in several different sizes. You might have already come across Now Foods products in the ranking of the best nootropics or in the comparison of the best vitamin D supplements.
In one serving (1 capsule) you will find:
- 100 mg of coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance and is indispensable in countless processes in the human body. It is particularly important for its positive effects on skin quality, regulation of blood sugar levels, and support of the heart and immune system. Most people automatically associate coenzyme Q10 with the fight against aging. In fact, coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that can fight free radicals and regenerate damaged cells.
Final assessment:
In terms of price, it largely depends on what size pack you decide to get. Not surprisingly, a larger pack is much more convenient on a per dose basis. In this case, the price per daily dose is a great deal, but you will end up paying a little extra if you buy a smaller pack. However, if you're looking for a quality coenzyme Q10, you'll be satisfied either way. It is true, however, that for people looking for a versatile dietary supplement with antioxidants, a product with a more sophisticated formula will be more suitable.
At the very end we have another representative of the Life Extension brand. This time it is Super Bio-Curcumin® Turmeric Extract. Surprisingly, it contains a bio-curcumin extract in the form of BCM-95 Bio-Curcumin®, which is said to be up to 7 times more absorbable than the regular form of curcumin.
Benefits:
- Quality workmanship
- High active ingredient content
- Customer-verified
Disadvantages:
- High price
- Only one active ingredient
In one dose (1 capsule) you will find:
- 400 mg of curcumin in the form of BCM-95 Bio-Curcumin®
I've discussed the benefits of curcumin in previous products, but it's worth repeating the main points. Curcumin can suppress inflammatory processes in the body, promotes proper digestion, helps maintain normal brain function and has a positive effect on platelet function. BCM-95 Bio-Curcumin® is the most researched form of curcumin in the world, according to the manufacturer of this patented form.
Final Evaluation:
Super Bio-Curcumin® Turmeric Extract is a product you definitely won't go wrong with. However, it does have one problem and that is the price. It is one of the most expensive products in the ranking. This is even despite the fact that it contains only one active ingredient. This is a fact that is definitely worth taking into consideration when you think about buying it. But again, what is true with all the more expensive products - if you don't mind paying extra for it, you'll be satisfied.
- What are free radicals and oxidative stress?
- Risks associated with oxidative stress
- Antioxidants and their importance for human health
- Foods rich in antioxidants
- What antioxidants can you come across?
- Who can benefit from antioxidant supplementation?
- How to take antioxidants and what to watch out for?
- Sources
What are free radicals and oxidative stress?
In the context of antioxidants, we often talk about free radicals and oxidative stress. Before we dive into how antioxidants work and why they are so important to our bodies, we need to get a little background on both of these concepts. To begin with, we need to know that there are countless chemical reactions going on in our bodies all the time. Breathing, digestion, information transfer in the brain and much more are essentially chemical reactions that are followed inside of metabolites, i.e. substances produced as a result or intermediate product of these processes. Examples of these metabolites include free radicals. Why are they a problem for our bodies?
Free radicals are unstable and therefore highly reactive substances, and as a result they can do a lot of damage. They have an odd number of electrons, but they try to balance it so that it is even. They do this by 'stealing' electrons from other molecules, damaging cell membranes, enzymes, proteins and even the structure of DNA. This process is called oxidative stress, and it is what antioxidants protect us from.
Risks associated with oxidative stress
There is probably no need to go into too much detail about why oxidative stress is harmful to our organism. Damaging cell membranes or disrupting the structure of DNA is simply not something that can do the human body any good. Oxidative stress results in an acceleration of the aging process. This is particularly evident in the quality of the skin, the functioning of the organs, the corticalblood vessels and increased risk of certain serious diseases. Examples include Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, heart disease and some types of cancer. Although free radicals occur naturally in our bodies, certain factors can increase their occurrence. These include stress, smoking, unhealthy diets, alcohol, being in a polluted environmentpollution, excessive consumption of pharmaceuticals and, simply put, an unhealthy lifestyle in general.
Antioxidants and their importance for human health
Now we can finally get down to the antioxidants themselves and their importance to our health. It probably won't surprise anyone that antioxidants fight oxidation. They do this by making free radicals, simply put, "by donating one of their electrons to neutralize them and stop their rampage. In addition, some antioxidants have the ability to restore damaged parts of cells and strengthen their defences for the future. For this reason, antioxidants are extremely important for human health and help prevent many diseases. For the best effect, you need to combine as many antioxidants as possible, as they all work slightly differently. Our bodies make their own antioxidants, but just as there are ways of getting them into the body excess free radicals into the body, we can take in more antioxidants.
Foods rich in antioxidants
Antioxidant-rich foods should not be missing from any person's diet. Their health benefits are unquestionable and there is certainly no harm in having enough of them. What foods to focus on? Walnuts and pecans in particular are high in antioxidants. There is even a study that found that people who consumed larger amounts of pecans saw an increase in their blood levels of antioxidants. Typical sources of antioxidants are berries, namely blueberries, strawberries, raspberries. The same goes for homemade jams made from these fruits. On the list of foods rich in antioxidants you will also come across kale, red cabbage, artichokes or beans. It may come as a surprise to some that even dark chocolate is a great source of important antioxidants. However, the rule of thumb here is that the higher the proportion of cocoa in the chocolate, the better its effect.
What antioxidants can you come across?
As I wrote above, there are countless antioxidants. However, they do not all work in the same way and they offer our body a variety of benefits. So let's take a look at the most important ones.
Turmeric
Turmeric is often referred to today as a superfood. The list of its positive effects is really long, and it is no wonder that it is one of the most popularYou can also find it in a large number of dietary supplements. Turmeric regulates the body's immune and inflammatory response, protects cells from the effects ofm free radicals, helps maintain healthy joints and protects skin quality.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidant. It belongs to the carotenoid group and its main benefits include supporting immunity, eye health, brain function and skin quality. In nature, it is mainly found in salmon, krill oil and some types of algae. Due to its limited occurrence in the normal diet, it is advisable to supplement.
Beta carotene
Another representative of the carotenoid group is beta carotene. It is an important precursor of vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of visual quality, supports immunity and also has a positive effect on the immune system. Due to its ability to maintain skin quality and positively influence skin colour, it is recommended to take beta carotene about one to two months before sunbathing.
Ashwagandha
Indian ginseng, also known as ashwagandha, is a plant with a really wide range of positive effects on the human body. In addition to protecting cells from free radicals, it also supports thyroid function, helps fight stress and anxiety, and relieves adrenal fatigue.
Other well-known antioxidants include coenzyme Q10, flavonoids often found in CBD oils, vitamin C and zinc. In this context, I recommend our comparison of the best CBD oils, rankingof the best vitamin C oils, and last but not least our comparison of the best zinc oils.
Who can benefit from antioxidant supplementation?
As with all similar substances, the rule of thumb for antioxidant intake is that the amount ofperformance athletes should take in slightly more than the average population. However, people with weakened immunity, as well as those who do not have a sufficiently varied diet, also have increased requirements for antioxidant intake. For this reason, they do not take in enough antioxidants in their natural diet and have to take them in the form of supplements. Particular care should be taken by people who do not eat fruit or vegetables, as this is where most of the antioxidants are found. Another group that may benefit from antioxidant supplementation are people recovering from injuriesm, as their bodies are usually weakened and more susceptible to the megative effects of free radicals.
How to take antioxidants and what to watch out for?
First of all, it should be pointed out that too much intake of certain antioxidants can lead to increased free radicals instead of fighting them. Therefore, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and adhere to the recommended daily dosage. At the same time, do not forget that to achieve the desired effect you need to takeas wide a spectrum of antioxidants as possible, as each works a little differently and helps in a different area. Therefore, it is advisable to choose supplements containing more than one antioxidant, or at the same time as supplementing one antioxidant, remember to follow a varied diet and intake other antioxidants in their natural form.
Sources
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Antioxidant - Wikipedia. [online]. Available from: https: //cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant
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Antioxidants Explained in Simple Terms. Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust [online]. Copyright © 2005 [cited February 16, 2023]. Available from: https: //www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained
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Biochemistry, Antioxidants - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. [online]. Copyright © 2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC. [cited 2023-02-16]. Available from: https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541064/
- DUBNOVÁ, Martina. Antioxidants in food and possibilities of application of antioxidants in nutrition [online]. České Budějovice, 2011 [cited 2023-02-16]. Available from: https://theses.cz/id/kbn9gm/. Bachelor thesis. University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Education. Thesis supervisor prof. Ing. Milan Pešek, CSc.
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CLARK, Nancy. Sports nutrition: Dietary plan, food supplements, pre- and post-exercise diet, specific nutritional needs, weight loss without starvation, recipes. 4th ed. Translated by René SOUČEK, translated by Monika SOUČKOVÁ. Prague: Grada Publishing, 2020. ISBN 978-80-271-1030-8.