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Hematologist, oncohematologist

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General antioxidant activity

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 18.10.2021

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The reference values (norm) of the total antioxidant activity of plasma are 1.30-1.77 mmol / l.

If one or several links of the antioxidant system are deficient, tissues lose protection from the action of free radicals, which leads to damage to tissues and organs and the development of the disease. To assess the state of the antioxidant system or the general antioxidant status of the body, a determination of the overall antioxidant activity of the blood plasma is used, which helps the clinician to solve the following problems.

Identify people at increased risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, retinopathy and aging. Such people usually show a decrease in the total antioxidant activity of blood plasma. Prophylactic long-term use of antioxidants in such individuals leads to a significant reduction in the risk of diseases. In particular, the use of vitamin E for 2 years for preventive purposes leads to a reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in men by 37%, in women by 41%.
To justify the use of antioxidants in the complex treatment of a patient. Reduction of the total antioxidant activity of blood plasma serves as a direct indication for the appointment of the patient with vitamin E, beta-carotene, etc. In premature children, the overall antioxidant activity of blood plasma is lower than in normal newborns, which is why they are more sensitive to damage by free radicals. This causes the development of such pathologies as retinopathy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis. The appointment of such antioxidants to these children can prevent the development of many of these complications, while avoiding oxygen therapy that promotes the formation of free radicals whenever possible.
Monitor the course of the disease and the effectiveness of therapy. The total antioxidant activity of blood plasma is reduced in patients with liver diseases, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, IHD, oncological diseases, etc. Effective treatment leads to an increase or normalization of this indicator.
Evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic dietary, parenteral and nutrition nutrition to determine which food is most useful for increasing the antioxidant status of the patient.

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