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What is Free Radical and its Activity
Free radicals are highly reactive molecular fragments that can damage cell membranes and the internal organelles of the cell.
Free Radicals are unstable molecules with only one electron. Typically, stable molecules contain pairs of electrons. When a chemical
reaction breaks the bonds that hold the pair of electrons, free radicals are produced. Free radicals are therefore molecules that are
unstable with an odd number of electrons.
Free radicals are created in the body internally in the following manner:
- The primary source is from our body during the energy production process within the cells. 98% of the oxygen we breathe is used within
our cells in the production of energy. The resultant effect of this energy producing activity is that a very small amount of oxygen that was
not used losses electrons creating free radicals.
- Another important source which creates lots of free radicals is the presence of toxic heavy metals in the body especially those caught up
in the cellular tissues. All transition metals with the exception of copper, contains one electron in their outermost shell and can be considered
a free radical. Copper, although having a full outer shell of 2 electrons, loses its electron easily and can be considered a free radical too.
The following metals are, however, major free radicals creating agents in the body - mercury; calcium; aluminium; lead; chlorine; iron;
cadmium
- From foods that we consume that may have a destructive potential. An example would be fried foods in high temperature, which causes the bonds in
the molecule to become unstable.
- During normal metabolism of fat, carbohydrates and proteins
- Stress especially oxidative stress. All chemicals and some endocrine hormones create free radicals
- Low blood supply – generally occurs during heart attacks and strokes – forms free radicals.
The free radicals created burn holes in our cellular membranes that weaken tissues and organs in our body. As the damage continues unchecked,
the body becomes “rusty” and less able to defend itself against problems such as cancer, hardening of the arteries, premature aging and other
health issues. Accordingly, it is important to check free radical activity in your pet on a regular basis particularly when "fat lumps" are
found. Free radicals cause lipid peroxidation and the damage leads to cardiovascular problems and cancer. Regular detection can help prevent
and or avoid such health issues arising.
Osumex Free Radical Test kit - see sample kit below
Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a by-product of free radical activity and this is what the test kit measures.
It is recommended that you test at least once a week, if excessive free radical activity is found, until it is brought under control, or
once a month or at least once every few months to make sure free radicals in the body are not running rampant!
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