Antioxidants and Their Impact on Human Health

ABSTRACT: Antioxidants are vital compounds that inhibit oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby protecting cellular structures and maintaining physiological balance. Found both endogenously and in dietary sources—particularly fruits, vegetables, and microalgae—antioxidants function through mechanisms such as p0electron donation, radical scavenging, and repair of oxidized molecules. Their roles extend to disease prevention, with growing evidence linking oxidative stress to chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Natural antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, phenolics, and carotenoids, are increasingly favored over synthetic counterparts due to concerns about toxicity and lower efficacy. Modern food technology employs antioxidants for preservation and nutritional enhancement, with encapsulation technologies advancing their stability and bioavailability. Despite their therapeutic potential, challenges such as poor solubility, degradation, and low bioavailability hinder clinical application. Ongoing research aims to overcome these limitations and clarify the complex relationship between antioxidant intake and health outcomes. Current recommendations emphasize a diet rich in antioxidant- containing foods and lifestyle modifications to minimize oxidative stress exposure. As scientific understanding of redox biology evolves, antioxidants are positioned as key agents in promoting health, managing disease, and advancing functional food development. Interdisciplinary efforts are essential for translating research into practical interventions that optimize antioxidant efficacy and safety in human health. In Conclusion, antioxidants play a pivotal role in protecting against oxidative damage and maintaining cellular health. While a diet rich in natural antioxidants is beneficial, further research is necessary to fully understand the therapeutic potential and limitations of antioxidant supplementation in disease management. KEY WORDS: Antioxidant, oxidative stress, free radicals, reactive oxygen species, human health.