Oxidative Stress Management

Certain cellular reactions in the human body, along with external factors, can cause atoms to lose an electron from their orbit. These structures are called free radicals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are compounds containing oxygen that act as major sources of radicals in biological systems.

While these substances are inevitable byproducts of normal bodily functions, an increase in their levels can lead to unwanted reactions, cellular damage, and premature aging. This harmful effect of reactive oxygen radicals is known as “oxidative stress” or “free radical damage.”

Our bodies have developed antioxidant defense systems to combat oxidative damage. In healthy individuals, there is a balance between free radicals and antioxidant defense systems. Excessive radical production or a decrease in antioxidants leads to oxidative stress.

Prolonged oxidative stress contributes to various pathologies and diseases. Recent studies have shown that free radicals play a role in the etiology of many conditions, including inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, gout, kidney diseases, respiratory diseases, and digestive disorders.

Measuring free radicals directly is challenging, so researchers focus on evaluating the damage they cause to molecules like lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Additionally, various methods have been developed to assess antioxidant defense systems.

With OKSANTEST®, oxidative stress damage indicators, along with erythrocyte and plasma antioxidant levels, are evaluated to determine a personalized "Oxidative Stress Score." This approach identifies whether antioxidant supplementation is necessary and, if so, which specific antioxidants should be used.