However, when your free radical burden becomes excessive, your antioxidant mechanisms cannot keep up. Free radicals start damaging your healthy cells. The benefits of antioxidants have been well demonstrated in research literature. Vitamin C, a very powerful antioxidant, has been shown to be essential for the reduction of free radicals as well as the formation of collagen, absorption of iron and biosynthesis of carnitine. Carotenoids, including alpha carotene, beta carotene, lycopene and lutein, also have been shown to reduce the risk of a variety of diseases including cancer and heart disease.
Dietary supplements are particularly important for older people for three reasons.
As people age, they often eat less and miss out on essential nutrients. Over time, the body has more difficulty absorbing vitamins and minerals. Medications often interfere with nutrient absorption. More than half of all people over 65 take nine or more medications daily. Body Wise International offers powerful antioxidants.