Reactive oxygen species (ROS)

[Vlaminck]

Curious about these types of molecules. There are many nutritional supplements touted for their ability to reduce ROS (which I believe = to lowering inflammation). On the other hand, I have read that ROS is needed for or at least can aid in apoptosis of CLL cells. (Sorry, taking what I draw from reading various sources so don't have any sources readily available). Does anyone out there know much or anything about this subject, namely, is reducing ROS beneficial for CLL or not? Thanks in advance.

[SofiaDeo]

Since certain reactive oxygen species are *necessary* for certain physiologic processes, I wouldn't spend money on them, or take them, unless there were a demonstrated medical reason. Much like we say "you can't look at a single lab value and make health decisions, it's the totality of what's going on in the body" to determine if something needs to be done. And please remember, just because there isn't an acute toxicity from a supplement doesn't mean it is innocous/has no effect on the body. As we learn more about the gut biome and its place in health, it seems to me all these "inert" excipients probably affect at least some people adversely. We didn't evolve eating these things any more than we evolved eating artificial chemicals.

[Vlaminck in reply to SofiaDeo]

Hey, SofiaDeo,

I didn't make my post very clear and I know it's about something maybe none of us fully understand. But I am not talking about a supplement of ROS. Instead, as an example, there are some high touted supplements that supposedly reduce ROS (reduce inflammation) as part of its benefit. ("The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the development of various chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer, respiratory, neurodegenerative, and digestive diseases." ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

I've been taking Immun-Age, for example, a fermented papaya extract discussed in medical articles as good effect on inflammation, etc. BUT it is supposed to lower or counter ROS, if I understand it correctly.

And yet some articles discuss the need for ROS, as you point out. In fact, I have read that ECGC increases ROS.

Just wondered if someone on this site full of brainy folks had gotten deep enough into these weeds to provide some info or guidance.

[SofiaDeo in reply to Vlaminck]

Well, my comment was sort of for *all* supplements. Our bodies are a balance, and taking supplements unnessarily may have unintended consequences. I looked up the one you indicated, and while it's great there are a lot of studies using it, not only can I not find the ingredients in this product anywhere, please remember taking something used to *mitigate* a problem may not be good to take unless one has been diagnosed with that problem. Look at how the liver problems arose from the concentrated green tea extract. Unless you know you are overproducing ROS, why dampen them since we know we need a modicum for our bodies to work properly? If tests have shown you have an elevated level of nonspecific inflammation in your body I can see it, but otherwise, not. Spend your money on the highest quality, organic, grass fed, pastured, soy free foods (in the US, "organic feed" is often soy, if you've noticed that chicken, eggs, even beef all taste different, that contributes). Get multiple filters for your house water (chemical, parasite, etc. you will need a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash if you stop drinking fluoridated water) so you aren't breathing chlorine when you shower, or soaking in it for a bath, or when your local water treatment plant has problems. If you have a well, get it tested regulary/yearly for contaminants. Get air purifiers to clear out dust mites, pollen, etc. Get cleaning help to remove dead hair & skin cells from walls, floors, furniture that silverfish feed on. Lots of things to spend money on to help improve your health lolol.

[Vlaminck in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thanks, SofiaDeo. Again, I'm not using any supplement specifically for ROS but your cautions are quite appropriate. My interest is also from the standpoint that it seems pretty widely accepted that chronic diseases are generally inflammation related. Hence my academic interest.

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

To support the caution in regard to trying to add/strengthen or subtract/weaken molecules with our limited understanding of the science here is an abstract that should have you even more confused and hopefully make you more wary as to what a given concoction (even if herbal) substance (of which there is no scientific guide nor foundation for either quantity and quality) might do to your life.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/305...

[Vlaminck in reply to cllady01]

Thank you, ccllady. Good advice. As I wrote to Sonia, this is for me an academic question at this point, just connecting inflammation with chronic illness, etc.

[LeoPa]

As far as I know the best way to reduce r o s is to not make them. And how to do that is quite well explained here:robertlustig.com/metabolical/

[Vlaminck]

Thank you, Leo, gonna give it a look!