Featured article | June 2025
Integrated Approach to Reducing Polypharmacy in Older People: Exploring the Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Potential Therapy
Catalina Rojas-Solé, et al. (2018) Pharmaceutics. 10(1)
With aging, the body’s natural antioxidant defences weaken, which leads to increased oxidative stress. This increases risk of age-related diseases such as heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and other metabolic conditions.
Discussed in the article:
- Chronic illnesses are often treated with multiple medications, a phenomena known as polypharmacy.
- Polypharmacy can further strain the body’s ability to fight oxidative damage and has been linked to frailty in older adults.
- Certain nutrients and compounds can support the body’s antioxidant systems and help reduce the negative impact of both aging and polypharmacy.
- There is a need for greater awareness and monitoring of drug–nutrient interactions.
- Clinicians should monitor patients on long-term medications for nutrient deficiencies.
Nutrients mentioned in the article:
- Vitamin C protects cells from damage and helps regenerate other antioxidants in the body.
- Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) helps the body produce glutathione, one of its most important internal antioxidants.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid supports mitochondrial function and helps regenerate both vitamin C and glutathione.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a vital role in energy production and also works as an antioxidant, especially in the heart and brain.
