By Vincent Jacquier, Category specialist Polyphenols
In livestock production, oxidative damage caused by free radicals is a major concern, as it can impair immune function, reduce growth performance, and deteriorate meat quality. To mitigate the effects of oxidative stress, antioxidants are commonly supplemented in animal diets. However, not all antioxidants provide the same level of protection, and excessive antioxidant intake can disrupt natural physiological processes. New alternatives are emerging as great solutions for oxidative stress management.
The role of free radicals and vitamin E
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids. Although free radicals play a role in immune defense and cell signaling, excessive accumulation leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging. Given their dual nature, completely eliminating free radicals is not a desirable strategy. Instead, maintaining a balance—where free radicals exist at optimal levels without causing excessive oxidative stress—is key to ensuring both health and performance in animals.
Antioxidants can help achieve this balance by neutralizing free radicals and preventing damage. These include enzymatic antioxidants (Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)) and non-enzymatic ones like vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols. However, excessive antioxidant intake can disrupt natural physiological processes.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes by stabilizing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). While it supports immune function and enhances meat quality, excessive supplementation might not provide proportional benefits due to bio-availability issues (i.e., how much vitamin E is effectively absorbed).
Alternative antioxidants, such as polyphenols – which are plant-derived antioxidants – offer complementary advantages and broad protective effects, including anti-inflammatory and enhanced gut health benefits.
Alternative antioxidant solutions
Unlike vitamin E, which primarily targets lipid oxidation, polyphenols interact with multiple biological pathways. There are few products on the market that directly target intestinal integrity. Vitanox is one of these innovative antioxidant products. It was developed through a targeted selection process to identify polyphenols with high efficacy. Using an ex-vivo screening method, functional feed ingredient researchers evaluated polyphenols for their ability to strengthen intestinal barriers and reduce oxidative stress.
Independent studies conducted at Ghent University and CREA have confirmed Vitanox‘s efficacy in enhancing gut health and mitigating oxidative stress in livestock. Research* findings indicate that Vitanox supports gut integrity by reducing inflammation and strengthening tight junction function. Complementary studies at Ghent University have demonstrated that cells treated with Vitanox exhibit significantly higher mitochondrial activity, suggesting a substantial influence on the energy metabolism of intestinal cells. Furthermore, for ruminants, the study provided evidence that Vitanox remains active post-ruminally.
*References are available on request.