Antioxidant Activity Assessment
Several compounds found in natural food ingredients have been reported for their antioxidant properties owing to the inclusion of hydroxyl groups within their structural composition. The evaluation of antioxidant activity serves the purpose of determining the capacity of specific substances to function as antioxidants. Aprofood provides you with scientific validation services before your products are marketed and promoted for their antioxidant properties.
Fig 1. Effects of free radicals on the human body and antioxidant defense. (Sharifi-Rad M, et al., 2020)
Antioxidant Ingredients Sources and Classification
Food antioxidants are classified as natural or synthetic and their antioxidant functions and potential side effects have been extensively studied to facilitate the development of food as well as other products.
Natural Antioxidants
Natural antioxidant compounds are abundant in various plants and other natural sources, and they are categorized as chain-breaking antioxidants that react with free radicals and convert them into more stable products. This group of antioxidants comprises substances such as vitamins C and E, carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and minerals. Common sources include berries and citrus fruits, vegetables like spinach and kale, nuts such as almonds and sunflower seeds, and spices like cinnamon.
Synthetic Antioxidants
Synthetic antioxidants are chemically synthesized compounds specifically designed to trap free radicals and block the chain reaction, which can enhance the shelf life of food products by preventing oxidation. Common examples include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate (PG), and tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ). Synthetic antioxidants are cheap, stable, and effective and have undergone several toxicological tests.
Mechanisms of Antioxidant Action
Research reveals that antioxidant molecules operate through multiple mechanisms synergistically, contributing to overall health maintenance.
- Electron or Hydrogen Atom Donation: Antioxidants donate electrons or hydrogen atoms to free radicals, stabilizing them and averting cellular damage.
- Metal Ion Chelation: Some antioxidants bind to metal ions like iron and copper, curbing free radical generation and preventing potential harm.
- Enzyme Activity Induction: Antioxidants stimulate enzymes, like superoxide dismutase and catalase, converting harmful radicals into less destructive substances.
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Interference with Free Radical Chain Reactions: Antioxidants halt chain reactions initiated by free radicals, preventing widespread cellular damage.
Our Service
Aprofood employs a thorough and scientifically rigorous methodology equipped with highly sensitive and automated assay technology, we aid in identifying and quantifying key antioxidants, evaluating the antioxidant capacity of a wide range of molecules and studying the mechanisms of their antioxidant action. We serve food researchers and developers, aiming to help them create functional foods that meet changing consumer needs and raise nutritional standards.
Service Process of Antioxidant Activity Assessment
Antioxidant Activity Assessment
01 Assessment & Planning
Target Confirmation & Experimental Design. To investigate the specific properties of the ingredient and your desired objectives, we will provide a well-designed experiment, including both in vivo and in vitro assays.
04 Verification Report
Data Analysis & Report Generation. Analyze the test results and provide a detailed report including study design, methodology, and conclusions to assess the antioxidant properties and potential health benefits of the subject substance.
02 In Vitro Testing
Sample Preparation. Prepare samples using standardized procedures, which include extracting antioxidant components from the samples and maintaining sample consistency.
In Vitro Assays. Perform antioxidant assays on ingredients with the methods including DPPH, ORAC, TEAC, TBARS, and CAA assays, etc.), to determine the radical scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, lipid peroxidation inhibition, the ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and protect cells against oxidation.
03 In Vivo Testing
Animal Model Selection & Treatment. Select animal models based on availability, cost, and relevance to the specific antioxidant compound being tested, and design the treatment method.
Biomarker & Histological Analysis. Collect blood, tissue, or fecal samples from the animals to assess lipid peroxide levels, oxidative stress levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, and other relevant parameters.
Why Choose Us?
Specialized Labs
Advanced laboratory equipment and professional analytical team enable fast and reliable testing and analysis.
Accurate Analysis
Provide you with analytical services in accordance with various regulatory standards and regulations.
Confidentiality Agreement
We can sign with a non-disclosure agreement to ensure the confidentiality of the samples and analytical results.
As an expert in the field of the food industry, Aprofood specializes in food ingredient supply as well as contract development of new ingredients. No matter what size of your business and where you're located, we'd like to work with you. Please feel free to contact us.
Reference:
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Sharifi-Rad, M.; et al. Lifestyle, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants: Back and Forth in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Diseases. Front. Physiol. 2020,11:694.
For Research Use Only.
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