The Role of Antioxidants in
Vitiligo
Antioxidants are
chemical compounds found in our bodies at the cellular
level. Their main role is to help rid the cells of build
ups of potentially harmful chemicals.
Well known
antioxidants include Vitamins A, C and E and are
commonly included in a variety of health supplements.
Free radicals
are highly reactive chemicals found in our polluted
environment and sometimes produced naturally by our
bodies to fight of disease. Free radicals are highly
reactive and will �steal� electrons from the nearest
stable molecule, turning it into a free radical too.
This can set up a cascade reaction which is damaging to
cellular structure.
Antioxidants
help to stop this destructive action of free radicals by
donating their own electrons to them in order to stop
the reaction from cascading. Due to the unique nature of
antioxidants, they do NOT end up becoming free radicals
themselves.
Even though
there is no uniform conclusive theory about why Vitiligo
is caused, it is thought that part of the problem is a
problem in the production of melanin by melanocyte
cells, thus setting a cascade reaction producing
uncontrolled free radicals, which in turn destroys
further melanocytes.
It is well
established that Vitiligo patients demonstrate a low
level of antioxidants in their skin.
Having said
this, in several clinical trials designed to establish
whether taking antioxidants orally, in the form of
supplement pills or foods naturally high in
antioxidants, helps with reducing Vitiligo no conclusive
proof was found.
In conclusion,
while free radical formation may have a role to play in Vitiligo,
there is still no hard proof out there that points to
the use of antioxidants as a potential cure.
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