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Total antioxidant activity
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Reference values (norm) of total antioxidant activity of plasma are 1.30-1.77 mmol/l.
When one or more links of the antioxidant system are insufficient, tissues lose protection from the action of free radicals, which leads to tissue and organ damage and the development of disease. To assess the state of the antioxidant system or the general antioxidant status of the body, the determination of the total antioxidant activity of blood plasma is used, which helps the clinician solve the following problems.
- Identify individuals with an increased risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, retinopathy and aging. Such individuals usually have a decrease in the total antioxidant activity of blood plasma. Preventive long-term use of antioxidants in such individuals leads to a significant reduction in the risk of diseases. In particular, the use of vitamin E for preventive purposes for 2 years leads to a decrease in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in men by 37%, in women - by 41%.
- Justify the use of antioxidants in the complex treatment of the patient. A decrease in the total antioxidant activity of blood plasma serves as a direct indication for prescribing vitamin E, beta-carotene, etc. to the patient. In premature infants, the total antioxidant activity of blood plasma is reduced compared to normal newborns, which makes them more sensitive to damage by free radicals. This causes the development of such pathologies as retinopathy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Prescribing antioxidants to such children helps prevent the development of many of the listed complications, while oxygen therapy, which promotes the formation of free radicals, should be avoided if possible.
- Monitor the progress of the disease and the effectiveness of therapy. The total antioxidant activity of blood plasma is reduced in patients with liver disease, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, oncological diseases, etc. Effective treatment leads to an increase or normalization of this indicator.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic dietary, parenteral and tube nutrition to determine which foods are most useful for increasing the patient's antioxidant status.