Antioxidants

Free radical damage is constant. Your defence can be too.

Every cell in your body produces free radicals as a byproduct of making energy. Add sun, pollution, processed food, alcohol, and stress, and the load climbs faster than your internal defences can clear it. The result is oxidative stress: damaged DNA, sluggish mitochondria, inflamed tissue, and accelerated ageing.

Antioxidants are the counterweight. Your body makes some (glutathione, superoxide dismutase) and pulls the rest from food and supplements (vitamin C, E, polyphenols, carotenoids). Supplementation is a layer, not a substitute for a colourful diet, sleep, and movement. The goal is balance, not megadosing.

What is actually happening

Free Radical Overload
Unstable molecules with unpaired electrons steal them from healthy cells. A small amount is normal signalling. Too many damage proteins, lipids, and DNA over time.
Glutathione Runs The Defence
Glutathione is your master antioxidant, recycling vitamin C and E and neutralising peroxides. Levels drop with age, illness, alcohol, and chronic stress, leaving cells exposed.
Mitochondria Take The Hit
Your energy factories generate the most free radicals and suffer the most damage. Protecting them shows up as steadier energy, sharper focus, and slower cellular ageing.
South African Sun Adds Load
High UV exposure drives skin and systemic oxidative stress year round in SA. Topical SPF helps the skin. Internal antioxidants help everything else.

How we think about it

STEP 1

Foundation, daily

Start with a broad-spectrum daily antioxidant: vitamin C with a polyphenol source. This handles baseline oxidative load from food, sun, and normal metabolism.

STEP 2

Build, over weeks

Add a targeted polyphenol like quercetin or curcumin, or support glutathione production. Benefits compound over 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use.

STEP 3

Acute, when needed

During illness, heavy training, travel, or a high-sun weekend, layer in something concentrated like oregano oil or extra vitamin C for short bursts.

Our top picks for this concern

Curated by what works, ranked by what sells. The handful we reach for first.

New Leaf Beetroot Capsules 180

R499.00

Beetroot is dense in betalains and nitrates, polyphenols that protect blood vessels and boost mitochondrial efficiency. A daily foundation that also lifts exercise endurance.
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Natroceutics - Quercetin 60 Capsules

R429.00

Quercetin is one of the most studied flavonoids for calming oxidative stress and stabilising mast cells. Useful daily, especially in allergy season.
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NOW Foods Quercetin with Bromelain - 120 Veg Capsules

R829.00

Pairs quercetin with bromelain to improve absorption and add anti-inflammatory action. A stronger option for committed users.
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Natroceutics - Curcumin complete 30 Capsules

R349.00

Curcumin neutralises free radicals and modulates inflammatory pathways. Choose this if oxidative stress is showing up as achy joints or post-exercise soreness.
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Viridian Natural Vitamin E 400IU 30's

R359.00

Natural-source vitamin E protects cell membranes and recycles alongside vitamin C. A simple addition for skin, eyes, and cardiovascular tissue.
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New Leaf

New Leaf Multivitamin Tablets 90 Tablets

R 315.00

New Leaf Multivitamin Plus Iron High Strength Tablets provide a daily dose of 23 essential vitamins and minerals, including 14 mg of iron. Formulated to support immune function, energy levels,...

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Natroceutics

Natroceutics - Quercetin 60 Capsules

R 429.00

Histamine Regulation Hyperuricemia – Uric Acid Improved Immune Function Inflammation

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Natroceutics

Natroceutics - Magnesium Citrate complex 60 Capsules

R 329.00

Restore and maintain optimal levels of magnesium. Support daily nutritional intake of trace minerals.

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Viridian

Viridian Natural Vitamin E 400IU 30's

R 359.00

Natural Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress and is more efficiently absorbed than synthetic Vitamin E. Vitamin E can aid in managing conditions such as neurological disorders, diabetes,...

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Swanson

Swanson Daily B Complex 100 Tablets

R 339.00

Swanson Daily B-Complex supports energy metabolism and overall well-being with essential B vitamins. It helps reduce fatigue and supports nervous system health by aiding in the conversion of food into...

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Medford

Medford Algae Cal Plant Calcium 90 veg capsules

R 729.00

Medford Algae Cal Plant Calcium is available in a bottle of 90 vegetarian capsules. 2. It provides calcium derived from algae for better absorption and bone support. 3. The supplement...

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Sfera

Sfera Zinc Complex 60 Capsules

~~R 299.00~~R 269.00

Sfera Zinc Complex combines zinc, copper, selenium, and pumpkin seed extract for immune support and skin health. 2. It assists in connective tissue repair and red blood cell formation. 3....

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Now Foods

Now Foods NADH 60 Capsules

~~R 1,259.00~~R 999.00

Supports cellular energy production (ATP) with 10 mg PANMOL® NADH and 200 mg D-Ribose per capsule. Aids mental alertness and neurotransmitter synthesis for improved mood and cognition. Non-GMO, soy-free, with...

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New Leaf

New Leaf Vitamin C 120 Tablets

R 319.00

Supports Energy and Reduces Fatigue : Vitamin C helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. Promotes Healthy Skin : Contributes to normal collagen formation for healthy skin. Boosts Immune System : May...

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Natroceutics

Natroceutics Vitamin C Complete 30 Capsules

R 275.00

Superior Vitamin C delivery : Blends Quali‑C™ with citrus bioflavonoids and uses Cellg8™ liposomal technology for enhanced absorption and bioavailability. Immune & collagen support : Supports immune function, collagen formation...

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Natroceutics

Natroceutics - Curcumin complete 30 Capsules

R 349.00

1. Contains curcumin with enhanced absorption for anti-inflammatory support. 2. Supports joint health and overall wellness. 3. 30 capsules per bottle.

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Now Foods

NOW Foods Vitamin B-1 - 100mg - 100 tablets

R 329.00

NOW Foods Vitamin B-1 provides 100mg of thiamine (Vitamin B-1) per tablet to support energy metabolism. The bottle contains 100 tablets for daily supplementation. Thiamine is essential for nerve function...

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Build your stack

Three tiers, not 12. Start with one, add the next when you are ready.

1
FOUNDATION
Daily polyphenol base

Beetroot delivers nitrates and betalains every day to protect mitochondria and blood vessels. The most universal starting point for antioxidant support.
New Leaf Beetroot Capsules 180 R499.00 View →
2
BUILD
Targeted flavonoid

Quercetin adds focused free-radical scavenging and mast-cell support after 4 to 6 weeks of foundation work. Especially valuable if you also have allergies or inflammation.
Natroceutics - Quercetin 60 Capsules R429.00 View →
3
ACUTE
Short-burst protection

Oregano oil is high in carvacrol and thymol, polyphenols you reach for during illness, travel, or a heavy oxidative-stress week.
NOW Foods Oregano Oil - 90 Softgels R485.00 View →

Common questions

Can I just eat more fruit and vegetables instead?

Yes, food first. A daily plate with berries, dark leafy greens, beetroot, and cruciferous vegetables covers most baseline antioxidant needs. Supplements help when intake is patchy, oxidative load is high (sun, training, illness), or you want a therapeutic dose of one polyphenol.

How long until I feel a difference?

Some changes are subjective and show up in 2 to 4 weeks: steadier energy, less afternoon fog, better skin tone. Deeper effects on inflammation and mitochondrial health build over 8 to 12 weeks of daily use.

Can you overdo antioxidants?

Yes. Megadosing single antioxidants (especially synthetic vitamin E or beta-carotene) has been linked to worse outcomes in some studies. Stick to recommended doses and rotate sources rather than stacking 10 capsules of one thing.

Will antioxidants blunt my training adaptations?

High-dose vitamin C and E taken right around hard workouts can dampen the oxidative signal your body uses to adapt. Take them at meals away from training, or skip them on heavy session days.

Are these safe with chronic medication?

Most are, but quercetin and curcumin can interact with blood thinners, and high-dose vitamin E affects clotting. If you take warfarin, chemotherapy, or any prescription daily, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

What pairs well with antioxidants?

Omega 3 for cardiovascular and brain protection, vitamin D3+K2 for immune resilience, and a quality probiotic to support the gut, which is itself a major site of oxidative stress.

Antioxidants

What is actually happening

Free Radical Overload

Glutathione Runs The Defence

Mitochondria Take The Hit

South African Sun Adds Load

How we think about it

Foundation, daily

Build, over weeks

Acute, when needed

Our top picks for this concern

New Leaf Beetroot Capsules 180

Natroceutics - Quercetin 60 Capsules

NOW Foods Quercetin with Bromelain - 120 Veg Capsules

Natroceutics - Curcumin complete 30 Capsules

Viridian Natural Vitamin E 400IU 30's

Build your stack

Daily polyphenol base

Targeted flavonoid

Short-burst protection

Common questions

Related concerns

When to see a doctor