The article discusses the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in maintaining cellular health and preventing degenerative diseases. It highlights that while excessive ROS can cause oxidative stress and cellular damage, antioxidants play a crucial role in mitigating these effects. However, the use of synthetic antioxidants as dietary supplements has been controversial, with some studies showing no beneficial effects or even increased mortality. The article emphasizes the importance of determining individual oxidative stress levels before prescribing antioxidant supplements, as the balance between ROS and antioxidants is critical for overall health. It also reviews methods for measuring oxidative stress and antioxidant status, noting the challenges in accurately assessing these parameters. The conclusion suggests that while antioxidant nutrients from fruits and vegetables can protect against oxidative stress, synthetic antioxidants may not offer sufficient protection in normal situations and can be harmful if overused. The key to successful antioxidant supplementation may lie in fine-tuning the suppression of oxidative damage without disrupting the body's natural antioxidant defense systems.The article discusses the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in maintaining cellular health and preventing degenerative diseases. It highlights that while excessive ROS can cause oxidative stress and cellular damage, antioxidants play a crucial role in mitigating these effects. However, the use of synthetic antioxidants as dietary supplements has been controversial, with some studies showing no beneficial effects or even increased mortality. The article emphasizes the importance of determining individual oxidative stress levels before prescribing antioxidant supplements, as the balance between ROS and antioxidants is critical for overall health. It also reviews methods for measuring oxidative stress and antioxidant status, noting the challenges in accurately assessing these parameters. The conclusion suggests that while antioxidant nutrients from fruits and vegetables can protect against oxidative stress, synthetic antioxidants may not offer sufficient protection in normal situations and can be harmful if overused. The key to successful antioxidant supplementation may lie in fine-tuning the suppression of oxidative damage without disrupting the body's natural antioxidant defense systems.