Antioxidation is the process of neutralizing free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other reactive molecules that can damage cells, proteins and DNA. Free radicals are a natural byproduct of metabolic processes occurring in the body, while their excess and lack of degradation lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a major factor in cell aging and the aging of the body.

Antioxidation and its mechanism of action:

Free radicals are molecules characterized by the presence of one or more unpaired electrons, which makes them reactive and capable of damaging cellular structures. Free radicals are formed as a result of normal metabolic processes, but also under the influence of external factors such as improper nutrition, stress, environmental pollution, smog, UV radiation.

Antioxidants are substances that can neutralize free radicals. This happens through the process of adding an electron to reactive forms, contributing to their stabilization, which prevents further cell damage.

Antioxidants are divided into:

Endogenous antioxidants, produced by the body itself,

Exogenous antioxidants, supplied from the outside with food and supplementation.

Enzymatic antioxidants:

Superoxide dismutase (SOD). Its role is to convert superoxide anion radicals to hydrogen peroxide.

Catalase, whose task is to convert hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Glutathione peroxidase. With the help of glutathione, it reduces lipid peroxides and hydrogen peroxide.
Non-enzymatic antioxidants:

Vitamins: vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin A (retinol) and beta-carotene.
Polyphenols: flavonoids, resveratrol, quercetin.
Minerals: selenium, zinc, manganese.
Endogenous substances: glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10.

Why is antioxidation important?

Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which helps maintain health and prevent disease. Reducing oxidative stress can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease). Antioxidants can slow down the aging process of cells, which consequently affects the better condition of the skin, hair and the overall efficiency of the body. Increasing the level of antioxidants in the body supports the functioning of the immune system.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine ​​(NAC) is a so-called glutathione precursor, one of the most important antioxidants in the body. Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide consisting of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine ​​and glycine. Its main role is to neutralize free radicals and regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.

NAC and glutathione synthesis:

NAC is a source of cysteine, a key amino acid necessary for the synthesis of glutathione.
It contributes to increasing the level of GSH – through cysteine, NAC supports the synthesis of glutathione, which increases its cellular level. Higher levels of glutathione support the body’s ability to detoxify and protect against oxidative stress.
It takes part in the detoxification process – through the synthesis of glutathione, which is necessary for neutralizing toxic metabolites.
Supports the functioning of the immune system.
How NAC works:

NAC is converted in the body to cysteine, one of the three amino acids needed to synthesize glutathione. Cysteine ​​is often a blocking factor in glutathione production because its availability from the diet is very limited (compared to glutamine and glycine).

Glutathione synthesis:

Cysteine ​​provided by NAC reacts with glutamine and glycine to form glutathione. This process occurs primarily in the liver, but also in other tissues.

Glutathione synthesis occurs in two stages:

Stage 1: γ-Glutamylcysteine ​​synthetase catalyzes the reaction between glutamine and cysteine, forming γ-Glutamylcysteine.

Stage 2: Glutathione synthetase catalyzes the addition of glycine to γ-Glutamylcysteine, forming glutathione (GSH).

The combination of NAC, molybdenum and selenium has a strong synergistic effect!

NAC provides cysteine, which is essential for the synthesis of glutathione. Selenium is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, an important enzyme in neutralizing lipid peroxides and provides protection against oxidative stress.

Molybdenum supports enzymes involved in the metabolism of sulfur amino acids, which may support the detoxifying effects of NAC. NAC and molybdenum together may improve the detoxification of sulfur compounds and other toxins.

NAC and selenium together can more effectively neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in cells.

Selenium and molybdenum support enzyme function, which is crucial for maintaining metabolic and immune health. Combining NAC with molybdenum and selenium may provide synergistic health benefits for protection against oxidative stress and for supporting the immune system. These three substances may work together to increase glutathione production and efficiency.

Vitamin B1 plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism, helping to produce energy. NAC, by supporting glutathione synthesis, can protect mitochondria from oxidative damage, consequently improving the efficiency of energy production. Vitamin B1 is essential for the health of the nervous system, in synergy with NAC it affects the support of neurological functions, especially in conditions of oxidative stress.

Vitamin B2, as part of the coenzymes FAD and FMN, is essential for the function of glutathione reductase, which helps regenerate glutathione in its active form. Riboflavin supports the regeneration of glutathione, which increases its availability to combat oxidative stress. Vitamin B2 plays a key role in energy metabolism, helping to convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. NAC, in synergy with riboflavin, may support mitochondrial function and energy production.