Because of the energy released by their inherent instability, free radicals can interfere with the ability of body cells to function normally. Antioxidants can reduce the energy of free radicals in several ways. Their presence in a cell can prevent the free radical from forming, or they can minimize damage by interrupting an oxidizing chain reaction. The body also produces its own antioxidant defenses. These compounds can be taken as supplements, but taking supplements containing the building blocks of these enzymes may actually be more helpful.
Some nutrients containing such building blocks are copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
Many vitamins, minerals, and herbs also act as antioxidants. A combination of these substances may provide the best protection against free radical damage. Clinical Research A study conducted on 30 patients undergoing vascular surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm or obstructive aortoiliac disease yielded the following results. Patients in the first group were treated with coQ10 at a rate of 150 mg per day for 7 days before surgery, while patients in the second group were given a placebo. Pretreatment with coQ10 may play a protective role during routine vascular procedures by attenuating the degree of peroxidative free radical damage.