Abstract
Specific antioxidants have previously been found to target particular reactive oxygen species. For example, histidine-dipeptides neutralize hypochlorite, while ascorbic acid targets peroxynitrite and ferulic acid scavenges hydroxyl radicals. In this study, we investigated the effects of a mixture of these antioxidants on oxidative stress in middle-aged men. Seventeen male volunteers ingested an antioxidant mixture containing histidine-dipeptides, vitamin C, and ferulic acid for 8 weeks. DNA damage in peripheral leukocytes was measured at 4-week intervals using comet assays. For comparison, oxidative status in twelve normal volunteers who did not ingest the test drink (control group) were examined. DNA damage was remarkably reduced at the 8- and 12- week follow-ups. Plasma LDL-cholesterol levels were also reduced at 8 weeks. In contrast, notable changes in DNA damage were not observed in the control group. In addition, the antioxidant mixture administered in this trial did not produce toxic effects on the liver, kidney, or pancreatic function. Thus, such antioxidant combinations may contribute to the maintenance of health in middle-aged men.
