Antioxidant tests

antioxidant tests

Antioxidant tests are lab measurements that estimate the ability of blood, tissue, food, or other samples to neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals. They can look at the total antioxidant capacity of a sample or measure specific protective substances, like vitamin C, vitamin E, or the natural molecule glutathione, and enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Scientists use different methods for these measurements — some common ones are called ORAC, FRAP, DPPH and TEAC — and each method captures a slightly different part of antioxidant activity. In simple terms, these tests give a snapshot of how well a sample can defend itself against chemical reactions that can damage cells and molecules. That matters because an imbalance that favors damaging molecules over protective ones is linked with aging and many illnesses, including heart disease, eye conditions, and some inflammatory problems. Doctors and researchers use these results to study disease processes, to monitor how well a treatment is working, or to check whether diet and supplements are changing antioxidant levels. For everyday use, the results can help guide nutrition choices, for example by showing whether someone’s diet is providing enough antioxidant nutrients. However, antioxidant tests have limits: different methods don’t always agree, values can vary with how a sample is collected and handled, and a single test rarely gives a complete picture of health. Because of this, results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, other lab tests, and medical advice rather than taken as definitive on their own.