Oxidation process vs. Oxidative stress
Clarify and define common antioxidant terms
Have you ever thought about the difference between technological and physiological antioxidants in animal nutrition? And what about the difference between oxidation processes and oxidative stress?
Today we will try to clarify and define common antioxidant terms like the ones mentioned above.
In an attempt to explain this situation, we will organise the uses of antioxidants into two main groups, although it is true that there are connections between them.
- Technological antioxidants (BHT, BHA, tocopherols …), whose purpose is to control the lipo-peroxidation processes that take place in raw materials and feedstuffs. In animal nutrition, the most susceptible substrates are fats and oils, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and pigments.
- Physiological antioxidants (Vitamin E, selenium, polyphenols …), whose main purpose is to reduce oxidative stress and prevent cell damage in the body.
Oxidation processes occurring in raw materials and feedstuffs lead to rancidity, which affects colour, texture, nutritional value, taste and aroma, resulting in unpalatable and unhealthy products.
Using mixtures of technological antioxidants such as MiaRadOx could be more efficient than using single antioxidants for protecting substrates due to synergistic effects described.
Oxidation is a normal and necessary process that takes place in the body; it is the way our organism obtains energy. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, occurs when there is an imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant system, leading to potential cell damage.
Physiological antioxidants such as MiaPhenol must be bioavailable in the animal in order to be effective in optimising performance parameters, animal health and welfare.
Finally, and looking for the link between the sections previously described, we must not lose sight of the fact that feeding oxidised raw materials and/or feedstuffs is a source of oxidative stress for the animal.
For further information regarding antioxidants do not hesitate to ask your MIAVIT contact person.
