Ray Peat: the Dangers of Antioxidants

Antioxidants, commonly hailed as protective agents against various health issues, are often considered benign, but a deeper exploration of their role suggests potential dangers, especially in the context of degenerative diseases like cancer. This article delves into the viewpoints of Ray Peat on the potential risks associated with antioxidants, based on an analysis of his works.

Misconceptions and Historical Reluctance

A historical reluctance to acknowledge the potential harms of antioxidants has led to an oversimplified view of their role in health. The prevalent medical culture often sees antioxidants, including those produced endogenously in response to stress, as invariably beneficial. This perspective overlooks the complex interactions within the body, where substances like estrogen, known to induce certain enzymes and increase carbon monoxide formation, can interplay with antioxidants in potentially harmful ways. Peat highlights the ironic situation where carbon monoxide, a compound with properties similar to those ascribed to a “death hormone,” can decrease oxygen consumption and cause changes in cancer cells similar to those observed by Warburg, attributed to a “respiratory defect"​​.

The Antioxidant Paradox in Cancer

The conventional understanding is that if the death of an organism is due to random oxidation, then antioxidants should be beneficial. However, this overlooks the complex nature of cancer metabolism. The existence of a powerful antioxidant system in cancer cells seems contradictory to this theory. This paradox has led to a denial of facts about cancer metabolism, influenced by a widespread belief in the universal goodness of antioxidants. This belief system has, in some cases, led to the overlooking of environmental factors that might be modifiable and could have a significant impact on cancer development​​.

The Ambiguous Role of Free Radicals

Contrary to popular belief, free radicals play crucial roles in cellular signaling. The indiscriminate use of exogenous antioxidants in pharmaceutical doses warrants caution due to the ambiguous role of free radicals in regulating growth, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity. This insight challenges the one-sided view of antioxidants as universally protective, emphasizing the need to understand their nuanced impact on health​​.

Risks of Certain Antioxidants and Botanicals

Not all substances sold as antioxidants are safe. Some botanical antioxidants are known to be estrogenic, which could have implications for hormonal balance and related health issues. This distinction is critical in understanding the complex effects of various antioxidants and the need for a discerning approach to their consumption​​.

Specific Cases of Antioxidant Toxicity

In certain instances, compounds known for their antioxidant properties can be detrimental. Bilirubin, for example, can function as an antioxidant but is highly toxic to nerve cells, blocking essential enzymes and promoting damaging processes. This duality exemplifies the complexity of antioxidants’ effects on the body and highlights the importance of a balanced approach to their use​​.

Impact on Mitochondrial Function and Cancer Risk

Antioxidants can have indirect effects on health by interacting with other substances in the body. Polyunsaturated fats, which accumulate in the brain and retina, can damage mitochondria when they react with certain supplements like melatonin, tryptophan, fish oils, and omega-3 oils. This interaction increases the risk of retinal damage and, potentially, the incidence of new or metastatic cancers. This finding suggests that the role of antioxidants in health is far more complex than previously understood, particularly in the context of stress and its impact on cellular structures​​.

Conclusion

Ray Peat’s insights challenge the conventional wisdom about antioxidants, highlighting their potential dangers and the complexity of their roles in health and disease. His perspective emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of antioxidants, considering their interactions with other biological processes and their varied effects across different contexts. This understanding is crucial in approaching antioxidant use judiciously, particularly in the management of conditions like cancer and degenerative diseases.