Energy balance
Mild mitochondrial stress and modest increases in mitochondrial ROS levels increase lifespan in C. elegans, demonstrating that ROS acts as a beneficial signaling molecule rather than solely as a damaging agent.
Do not assume that neutralizing all free radicals is beneficial. The body uses mild mitochondrial stress (ROS) as a signal to activate protective mechanisms (hormesis). High-dose antioxidant supplements may interfere with these signals and potentially increase mortality risk, so focus on lifestyle factors that induce mild stress (like exercise) rather than suppressing ROS with supplements.
in C. elegans mild mitochondrial stress and modest increase in mitochondrial ROS levels seem to increase lifespan (Feng et al., 2001; Lee et al., 2003b). This is reminiscent of hormesis... uncritical use of antioxidant supplementation to lower ROS levels seems to have adverse effects on health and may even be linked to increased mortality
Why this rating
Evidence is primarily from model organisms (C. elegans) and mechanistic studies; human data is limited to observational associations.
Source
Mitochondria in the signaling pathways that control longevity and health span
Mansour Akbari et al. · Ageing Research Reviews · 2019
DOI 10.1016/j.arr.2019.100940
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