Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

This Common Supplement Linked to Birth Defects In Babies, Study Shows

Men planning to conceive should practise caution while consuming antioxidant supplements, as excessive intake may affect sperm and early craniofacial development in babies, a Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology study shows.

Antioxidants are often promoted as powerful supplements that can help protect the body from chronic conditions, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dementia.

However, researchers at the Texas A&amp;M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) found that consuming high levels of the antioxidant compounds N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and selenium (Se) can alter skull and facial shape in female children, even though the treated fathers did not exhibit obvious health problems.

Dr Michael Golding, a professor in the VMBS’ Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, whose research team made the discovery said: "We know alcohol causes oxidative stress and we were looking to push back on it by adding a supplement known to lower oxidative stress. 

"When we realized that offspring born to males that had only been given NAC were displaying skull and facial differences, it was a surprise because this molecule is universally thought to be good.

“When we sat down to think it through, we realized that it makes sense — you take a multivitamin to ensure that you’re in balance, but if the thing that you’re taking to ensure you’re in balance is unbalanced (the dose of antioxidants is too high), then you’re not doing a good thing.

“Sperm health is another performance metric; it’s just not one that we think about in everyday life. If you’re taking a high-dose antioxidant, you could be diminishing your reproductive fitness, and part of the journey toward the bad outcome is going to be the effects on the offspring.”

Antioxidants are important because they protect the fundamental structure of the human body, cells. They safeguard an individual's DNA and proteins from the damage caused by free radicals. 

Research has shown that a diet high in antioxidants may help individuals prevent chronic diseases and mental health issues. But on the contrary, having too many antioxidants in your body could confuse your cells' responses, leading to more damage than intented. 

<h2>How Do Antioxidants Protect Your Body?</h2>

Antioxidants basically neutralize free radicals in the body. These free radicals are extra atoms that are produced during the body's internal processes and also by some external factors. 

Overproduction of these free radicals, during the process of oxidation in the human body, damages cell membranes and other structures, including cellular proteins, lipids and DNA. Oxidation can be exacerbated by stress, smoking, alcohol, sunlight and pollution. 

In the long run, they can lead to diseases such as cancer and heart diseases. It is pertinent to note that the brain is prone to oxidative stress due to its high metabolic activity. Here, the role of antioxidants becomes particularly important as they fight oxidative stress which could otherwise lead to stroke, traumatic brain injury or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

If you take large amounts of antioxidants, then it could hamper the cell's defence mechanisms and normal signalling. Different types of antioxidants also have different properties, so they may not be interchangeable. Therefore, health experts advise people to be mindful of the amount of antioxidant-rich food they are including in your diet. Notably, studies have found that antioxidant supplements have a lower impact such as natural food items.

Here Are Top 10 Antioxidant Rich Food:

<ul><li>Blueberries: Packed with anthocyanins, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.</li><li>Dark Chocolate (70 percent cacao or higher): Rich in flavonoids, known for their heart health and antioxidant properties.</li><li>Spinach: Contains vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and carotenoids, all potent antioxidants.</li><li>Nuts (especially almonds and walnuts): High in vitamin E and other antioxidant compounds that protect cells from damage.</li><li>Green Tea: Loaded with polyphenols, particularly catechins, which are powerful antioxidants.</li><li>Kale: Full of vitamins A, C, and K, along with flavonoids, which support immune function.</li><li>Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant that supports skin health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.</li><li>Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A and offers strong antioxidant benefits.</li><li>Avocados: Packed with healthy fats, vitamin E, and carotenoids, helping to reduce oxidative stress.</li><li>Pomegranates: Contain punicalagins and anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that may help lower inflammation and improve heart health. </li></ul>

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antioxidant supplements

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birth defects

Congenital Heart Defects

Sperm health

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Men planning to conceive should practise caution while consuming antioxidant supplements, as excessive intake may affect sperm and early craniofacial development in babies, a Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology study shows.Antioxidants are often promoted as powerful supplements that can help protect the body from chronic conditions, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dementia. However, researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) found that consuming high levels of the antioxidant compounds N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and selenium (Se) can alter skull and facial shape in female children, even though the treated fathers did not exhibit obvious health problems.Dr Michael Golding, a professor in the VMBS’ Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, whose research team made the discovery said: "We know alcohol causes oxidative stress and we were looking to push back on it by adding a supplement known to lower oxidative stress. "When we realized that offspring born to males that had only been given NAC were displaying skull and facial differences, it was a surprise because this molecule is universally thought to be good.“When we sat down to think it through, we realized that it makes sense — you take a multivitamin to ensure that you’re in balance, but if the thing that you’re taking to ensure you’re in balance is unbalanced (the dose of antioxidants is too high), then you’re not doing a good thing.“Sperm health is another performance metric; it’s just not one that we think about in everyday life. If you’re taking a high-dose antioxidant, you could be diminishing your reproductive fitness, and part of the journey toward the bad outcome is going to be the effects on the offspring.”What Are Antioxidants?Antioxidants are important because they protect the fundamental structure of the human body, cells. They safeguard an individual's DNA and proteins from the damage caused by free radicals. Research has shown that a diet high in antioxidants may help individuals prevent chronic diseases and mental health issues. But on the contrary, having too many antioxidants in your body could confuse your cells' responses, leading to more damage than intented. How Do Antioxidants Protect Your Body?Antioxidants basically neutralize free radicals in the body. These free radicals are extra atoms that are produced during the body's internal processes and also by some external factors. Overproduction of these free radicals, during the process of oxidation in the human body, damages cell membranes and other structures, including cellular proteins, lipids and DNA. Oxidation can be exacerbated by stress, smoking, alcohol, sunlight and pollution. In the long run, they can lead to diseases such as cancer and heart diseases. It is pertinent to note that the brain is prone to oxidative stress due to its high metabolic activity. Here, the role of antioxidants becomes particularly important as they fight oxidative stress which could otherwise lead to stroke, traumatic brain injury or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.If you take large amounts of antioxidants, then it could hamper the cell's defence mechanisms and normal signalling. Different types of antioxidants also have different properties, so they may not be interchangeable. Therefore, health experts advise people to be mindful of the amount of antioxidant-rich food they are including in your diet. Notably, studies have found that antioxidant supplements have a lower impact such as natural food items.Here Are Top 10 Antioxidant Rich Food:Blueberries: Packed with anthocyanins, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.Dark Chocolate (70 percent cacao or higher): Rich in flavonoids, known for their heart health and antioxidant properties.Spinach: Contains vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and carotenoids, all potent antioxidants.Nuts (especially almonds and walnuts): High in vitamin E and other antioxidant compounds that protect cells from damage.Green Tea: Loaded with polyphenols, particularly catechins, which are powerful antioxidants.Kale: Full of vitamins A, C, and K, along with flavonoids, which support immune function.Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant that supports skin health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A and offers strong antioxidant benefits.Avocados: Packed with healthy fats, vitamin E, and carotenoids, helping to reduce oxidative stress.Pomegranates: Contain punicalagins and anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that may help lower inflammation and improve heart health. 