Free radicals are common in the body, arising through a variety of mechanisms. Some free radicals are generated naturally during normal day-to-day living. However pollutants, sun, alcohol, cigarette smoke and some medications can generate an excess of free radicals, and this can interfere with the cells’ ability to function normally.

Antioxidants are nutrients that help to offset the effects of free radicals. Vitamin E is a potent fat-soluble dietary antioxidant that supports the body’s antioxidant defences and acts as a free radical scavenger.

It is incorporated into the cell membranes and helps maintain their integrity throughout the body. For example, it helps maintain the health of the heart and blood vessels by supporting antioxidant defences against free radical actions on artery walls, fat molecules and LDL-cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol).