Antioxidants

Good day Mr. Jelínek, in this lesson you mentioned the following example of a study: Studies that do not generate the expected positive outcome are not published, cited, or sometimes even completed (for example, the CARET study conducted in Scandinavia, which monitored the effects of beta-carotene on health, was terminated in 1994 due to an increased incidence of lung cancer following the administered doses of the synthetic form of beta-carotene in smokers who were part of the observed population).

Do I understand correctly that when a study on a dietary supplement (as in this example) is conducted and the results are not positive, the results are not published, but the product continues to be sold? Thank you.

It's a bit more "complicated" - in this case, the study was halted (which is the organizer's obligation when it becomes apparent that the health of respondents is demonstrably deteriorating due to the substance being used during the study). The results of unfinished studies are often published, but it's always at the discretion of the investor, so a lot of "interesting" data doesn't get publicized.

Since these are dietary supplements and not drugs, a large amount of proven negative effects would need to accumulate for legislation to respond with changes. However, in this situation, there wasn't direct evidence, so today we are still working with the theory that the use of isolated antioxidants increases pro-oxidant processes in the body. In this regard, it is more beneficial to receive antioxidant substances in natural complexes due to their synergistic effect.

Hello,

In the chapter on lecithin, you mention, among other things, that it helps with the dissolution of undesirable fat and cholesterol deposits. Does this mean that, contrary to traditional medicine claims, lecithin and perhaps other substances can indeed contribute to reducing the "clogging" of arteries with atherosclerotic plaques?

Thank you in advance for your response.

This is a somewhat complex topic because a multitude of factors influence atherosclerotic processes, yet it is not known that any substance transparently removes atherosclerotic deposits in the arteries. Orthodox medicine still operates under the belief that diet does not impact the removal of already formed atherosclerotic plaques and simultaneously asserts that the state of atherosclerosis is irreversible. This conviction is based on the postulate that there is insufficient evidence to truly support this, which, in areas governed by the rules of modern science, is essentially acceptable. Until sufficient serious research is conducted that ultimately provides clear evidence, medicine will not change its approach.

From partial research, we know that the course of atherosclerosis is positively influenced not only by lecithin (or phospholipid complexes that are part of it) but also by soluble forms of fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids (specifically the ratio of O3:O6), the proportion of protein in the diet including its structure, (negative) energy balance, fasting... The prevailing opinion is that the most important factor in achieving the desired effect is a long-term engagement with all the factors, meaning a holistic approach to nutrition.

Good day Mr. Jelínek,

I would like to ask if it is possible to stock up on antioxidants at least a little "in reserve," given the current abundance of wild berries, other fruits, and vegetables in the summer, and the opportunity to consume them fresh from the forest, from the garden... Thank you for your response.

The body is capable of creating small reserves of certain nutrients, which also applies to antioxidants. It is essential to distinguish between water-soluble and fat-soluble substances. The body accumulates lipophilic substances for a longer period, even for months (a typical example is vitamin E or carotenes). Conversely, hydrophilic substances are excreted when in excess, and their reserves in the body are short-term (e.g., vitamin C, depending on a number of conditions, lasts 1-2 weeks). You can expect similar timeframes for phytochemical compounds obtained from plants.

Hello,
I would like to inquire about the significance of juicing fruit or vegetable juices. I believe that it is better to consume the whole food for satiety, its fiber content, and the maximum availability of antioxidants, which are reduced through juicing. I would rather eat 3 carrots, an apple, and 6 radishes a day than juice them and discard the rest.
Please share your opinion.

Juicing of fruits and vegetables has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it is true that juicing removes fiber and some antioxidants. On the other hand, juicing allows for easier and quicker intake of a larger quantity of fruits and vegetables. It is true that juices contain a much higher concentration of nutrients per unit of volume and weight.

Juiced juices should be considered a meaningful supplement that allows for a natural increase in the intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. In practice, this means that it is advantageous to add juices made from fruits and vegetables to the standard consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Do any antioxidants remain in store-bought vegetable juices of organic quality in Tetra Paks? How long after pressing is homemade vegetable juice of high quality?

Antioxidants are subject to strong oxidation; their activity decreases relatively quickly upon contact with oxygen or commonly occurring sources of free radicals. Generally, the highest amount of antioxidants is found in fresh food sources, as oxidative processes begin at the very moment the juice is pressed. The overall level of antioxidant capacity in juices primarily depends on the technology of their production and processing, and subsequently on their storage. In home conditions, pressed juice can be stored in vacuum-sealed containers, and a lower temperature significantly contributes to nutrient stability. By adhering to these feasible conditions, the activity of antioxidants decreases much more slowly, allowing the juice to be maintained at high quality for more than 24 hours.

Hello,

I would like to ask for your opinion on an excerpt from a text by Dr. Jan Pláteník:

Dietary supplementation with antioxidants is clearly beneficial only in the case of a previous deficiency; otherwise, it is either ineffective or even harmful. A recent, exceptionally extensive meta-analysis of overall mortality in 68 studies on the administration of antioxidant dietary supplements (232,606 participants, 385 publications) concluded that carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E significantly increase mortality, while vitamin C and selenium have no effect.

I'm confused by this - I take supplements and the mortality rates alarmed me (I don't think I suffer from a deficiency).

Thank you.

This opinion, supported by the cited study, is relatively strong evidence that the consumption of isolated forms of antioxidants does not have a significant positive impact on our health. The reason for this is their isolation, which results in a pro-oxidative effect that leads to increased production of free radicals. Therefore, it is advisable to prefer blends in dietary supplements, always of natural origin (extracts, etc.).