New technology could boost benefits of antioxidants
A new technology could enhance the health benefits of dietary antioxidants by increasing the amount absorbed into the bloodstream.
Antioxidants help to mop up free radicals which can have a damaging effect on the body's cells.
Although many people have sufficient antioxidants to neutralise the harmful effects of these free radicals, high-risk groups, such as those at risk of clogged arteries, diabetes or Alzheimer's disease, are advised to take additional antioxidants.
However, many antioxidants are destroyed by acid and enzymes in the stomach and therefore not absorbed.
Researchers at Monash University have now developed a tiny nano-sized 'trojan horse' particle which protects antioxidants from being destroyed in the gut so that they can be better absorbed.
Researcher Dr Ian Larson said: "Antioxidants sit within this tiny trojan horse, protecting it from attack from digestive juices in the stomach.
"We hope that by mastering this technique, drugs and supplements also vulnerable to the digestive process can be better absorbed by the human body."
A new technology could enhance the health benefits of dietary antioxidants by increasing the amount absorbed into the bloodstream.
