ABSTRACT
The vast majority of supplement users are probably aware of the term “antioxidant” and the concept that such compounds can help protect cell membranes and other structures from the damaging effects of free radicals. Those very same supplement users, however, often fail to stop and ask themselves which of their body's systems might benefit the most from an increased dietary intake of antioxidants. To answer this question, think about which parts of your body are exposed to the highest levels of free radicals. For example, the lungs and muscles of endurance athletes are subjected to high free radical loads as a result of the increased oxygen demands of exercise. For sunbathers, the skin can benefit from the increased protection that antioxidants provide against the oxidizing ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Likewise, anybody that spends time outdoors exposed to the sun should be concerned with the potential for ultraviolet radiation to damage eye health.
