This can result in harmful combinations of various organic molecules within the body. The primary cause of free radicals is the calorie burning process of oxygen with various nutrients required for the life of body cells. Over time free radicals are created by calorie consumption and build up in the body. There is now a very large body of evidence linking the action of uncontrolled free radicals to the processes and degenerative diseases of aging. It has now been established that the body uses special substances called antioxidants to counteract the damaging effects of free radical action.
Some antioxidants are specialized enzymes such as glutathione.
Other antioxidants include vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Still others include compounds such uric acid and Glutathione. In the early nineties it was suggested that Melatonin may be one of the body's own natural antioxidants. Experimental evidence has verified that Melatonin is in fact one of the most powerful antioxidants available in the body's arsenal against free radicals. In a study by Dr. Reiter, safrole, a known carcinogen, was given to two groups of rats. One group was administered the carcinogen alone, while the other was given Melatonin as well.