Vitamin supplements currently contain in excess of the Recommended Daily Allowance for the two most common antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin E. But, how much higher should the levels be set, in order to fight off free radicals.

Current antioxidant research is focusing on two key issues. The amount of antioxidants needed to benefit the body and the best source of these antioxidants. Researchers have already determined that food sources are the most absorbable, but which foods are best and how much should be consumed?

Antioxidants and RDA's

In studying the amount of antioxidants needed to optimally fight off free radical damage, the Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA, of antioxidant vitamins are the levels under consideration. Scientists are trying to determine whether levels above the current RDA's are more or less affective against free radical damage.

Antioxidant research is specific, in that, each antioxidant vitamin is being examined separately. Vitamins C and E are the most common antioxidant vitamins consumed in supplement forms. These antioxidants have always been deemed beneficial as vitamins, but, as antioxidants have yet to require an RDA specific to free radical prevention and treatment.

Inquiry Into Rates of Antioxidant Absorption

Antioxidant research does not stop there. Scientists are carefully looking at the levels of antioxidants in foods and the rate at which these antioxidants are absorbed by the body. While some foods may offer a 100% absorption rate of a vitamin, others may only absorb 10% into the body. These are the facts scientists need to learn in order to recommend the best foods from which antioxidants can be supplemented.

Vitamin E, as an antioxidant, carries more attention than many of the other antioxidant vitamins. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, which means in order for the body to absorb and use the antioxidants, fat needs to be present. Antioxidant research is set to determine how much fat is the right amount of fat to ensure the positive components of vitamin E are absorbed.

The times of the RDA are about to change. Thank to science and antioxidant research, vitamins are being looked at through an entirely different light. Yesterday, supplements helped the body to stay healthy. Tomorrow, vitamins may just be the key to curing some free radical conditions.