The Antioxidant Network
Our bodies’ primary defense against free radicals consists of the antioxidant network. The antioxidant network consists of five critical antioxidants which work together to maximize protection against free radical damage to our tissues. 
These five powerful antioxidants form work together to enhance each other’s activity, and maintain the best possible antioxidant balance in the body at all times. Dr. Lester Packer, Ph.D. is one of the leading experts if not the leading expert in the field of antioxidant research. It was he who led much of the research showing how these powerful antioxidants work together as a defensive network and coined the term ‘the antioxidant network.’ You can read more about the antioxidant network and the benefits of antioxidants in his book “The Antioxidant Miracle.”
GlutathioneGlutathione is a tripeptide produced in the cells from three amino acids glutamate, glycine and cysteine. Glutathione is the cell’s primary antioxidant and is the body’s most abundant antioxidant. Glutathione is often referred to as the “master antioxidant” for its own antioxidant activity, as well as, its role in helping to recycle other antioxidants in the network such as vitamins C and E.Low levels of glutathione have been associated with poor liver function, heart disease, premature aging, poor immune function, and even premature death. Glutathione also appears to have an important role in antiviral immune function. Our bodies’ production of glutathione begins to decline around the age of forty. It has been found to drop almost 20% by the age of sixty. While glutathione supplements are available, they are of limited effectiveness. Glutathione is a large molecule which is not absorbed well by the GI tract. Whey protein isolate is thought to be the best source of oral glutathione as it exhibits higher bioavailability than most other forms available. There are other effective ways to increase your glutathione levels as well. Glutathione levels can also be increased significantly by the intake of other network antioxidants, especially alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C. Additionally, intake of the amino acid glutamine has been shown to significantly increase glutathione levels as well. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, ubiquinone)Coenzyme Q10 is an extremely important substance. Not only is necessary for the process which produces energy for our cells, but it also has powerful antioxidant action. CoQ10 is a lipid soluble molecule which works synergistically with vitamin E to protect the lipid rich membrane structures of the cells. CoQ10 has been shown to be effective in treating congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and cardiac chest pain. CoQ10 is also known to prevent aging of the skin.Lipoic Acid (alpha lipoic acid)Lipoic Acid is unique in that it has the ability to restore itself as well as all of the other antioxidants in the network. It is the only antioxidant in the network which can work in both the aqueous (watery) as well as lipid (fatty) components of the cells. Because of this property, lipoic acid can cross the blood-brain barrier and is instrumental in preventing free radical damage in nerve cells. Lipoic acid has been shown to enhance memory, reduce reperfusion injury to the brain after stroke, and improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Lipoic acid has also shown to be effective in treating various diseases of the liver, and improves glucose uptake in non-insulin dependent diabetes.Vitamin CVitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and must be included in any list of antioxidants. Studies have shown that vitamin C raises good (HDL) cholesterol and lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol. Vitamin C has also been shown to lower the risk of stroke, increase resistance to infection, and improve wound healing. Vitamin C has anti-cancer activity as it directly protects DNA from free radical damage. Several studies have shown that vitamin C can suppress viral replication, including the virus which causes the common cold. In the antioxidant network, vitamin C works to recycle vitamin E, maximizing its ability to protect against cardiovascular disease and bolster the immune system.Vitamin EVitamin E is actually a family of antioxidants known as tocopherols and tocotrienols. Alpha tocopherol is the most well known and probably most important, and many vitamin supplements only include alpha tocopherol in their formula. However, for the full benefit of the vitamin E family, one should take a supplement which includes all of the tocopherols and tocotrienols. Vitamin E has powerful effects against cardiovascular disease. In order for LDL cholesterol to form the plaques in our arteries that lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease; it must be in the oxidized form. Vitamin E prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thereby protecting against plaque formation and its long term effects. Vitamin E has also been shown to improve immune function, and slow the rate of mental decline by up to one third according to a study published in the journal Archives of Neurology. The same researchers have suggested that high intake of vitamin E could lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 70%.There are several high quality antioxidant supplements on the market today which will immediately boost your antioxidant network. Most sell for $100 to $300 per month. Through my research; however, I have found a high quality antioxidant supplement for my visitors for a fraction of the others' cost here. Additional Resources for the Antioxidant Network and other Antioxidants
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