Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Antioxidants have been investigated for their potential to mitigate the harmful effects of radiation exposure, such as those encountered in radiation sickness (acute radiation syndrome). Ionizing radiation induces the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative damage to cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. The rationale for using antioxidants is to neutralize these free radicals and thereby reduce tissue damage.

Preclinical studies in animal models have demonstrated that various antioxidants (such as vitamin E, vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, and others) can lessen the severity of radiation-induced damage and improve survival rates when administered either before or shortly after radiation exposure. Some clinical studies have explored antioxidants as adjunctive treatments for patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer, with mixed results on efficacy and safety.

However, while the mechanistic basis for antioxidant use is strong, robust clinical evidence for their effectiveness in treating or preventing radiation sickness in humans is limited. No antioxidant is currently approved by regulatory agencies specifically for radiation sickness. The evidence thus supports a scientific rationale and promising preclinical findings, but the lack of conclusive human data and the unspecified nature of “antioxidant (unspecified)” warrant a moderate rating.

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