At LUXFEEL, we understand that true performance isn't measured in watts, reps, or seconds alone. It's measured in longevity, mental clarity, and our body's ability to recover and strengthen day after day. Every intense training session, while key to self-improvement, creates a silent enemy: oxidative stress.
Training produces free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage our cells, accelerate aging, and impair recovery. Combating this process is essential, and not all antioxidants are created equal. Guided by Carmen Peñalver's philosophy, where physical, mental, and anti-aging health are inseparable, we have identified the most potent and precise molecules that should be part of any serious athlete's arsenal.
Today we reveal the elite antioxidant shield: 5 key molecules, their effective doses, and why their purity is non-negotiable.
Oxidative Stress: The Hidden Price of Performance
Imagine a race car engine: running at full power, it generates immense heat and wear. Similarly, our cells, when producing the energy (ATP) needed for intense exercise, release free radicals. A robust antioxidant system acts like a high-tech cooling system, neutralizing these harmful byproducts and protecting the engine—your cells.
For athletes, this monitoring isn't a luxury; it's a necessity to ensure muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and maintain a strong immune system.
Carmen Peñalver 's 5 Favorite Antioxidant Titans
We're not talking about generic antioxidants, but rather specific molecules with proven bioavailability and efficacy.
1. Reduced Glutathione (L-Glutathione)
- The Molecule: Considered the body's "master antioxidant," glutathione is a tripeptide produced by our own cells. The "reduced" form (GSH) is active and bioavailable, ready to act.
-
Importance for the Athlete: Intense training can drastically deplete glutathione stores. Supplementing with high-purity GSH helps:
- Directly neutralize free radicals in the muscle.
- Recycle other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
- Strengthen the immune system , which can be compromised after exertion.
- Support liver function , crucial for detoxifying the body.
- Dosage and Purity: Look for Reduced L-Glutathione . Effective dosages for athletes range from 250–600 mg per day . Purity is key; look for brands that use patented forms like Setria® to ensure maximum absorption and stability.
2. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
- The Molecule: NAC is a direct precursor to glutathione. That is, it's the raw material the body uses to make its own master antioxidant.
-
Importance for the Athlete: Taking NAC is a smart and efficient strategy for increasing endogenous glutathione levels. Its benefits include:
- Combat muscle fatigue during prolonged exercise.
- Reduce muscle damage and post-workout inflammation.
- Protecting respiratory health , a plus for endurance athletes.
- Dosage and Purity: Commonly studied dosages for performance and recovery range from 600-1200 mg per day . It's recommended to split the dose into two doses. 99%+ purity is the standard to demand.
3. NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide + Hydrogen).
- The Molecule: It is the reduced, biologically active form of the coenzyme NAD+. NADH is a true cellular energy "spark" and a powerful antioxidant.
-
Importance for the Athlete: His role is twofold and fundamental:
- Energy Production: It donates electrons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which is crucial for the synthesis of ATP, the cellular energy currency. More NADH means more available energy.
- Anti-Aging and Mental Action: Protects DNA from oxidative damage and improves cognitive function, concentration, and alertness, aspects that Carmen Peñalver considers vital for a comprehensive approach.
- Dosage and Purity: Doses for improving physical and mental performance are typically 5–20 mg daily , preferably on an empty stomach. Look for stabilized forms to ensure potency.
4. Resveratrol
- The Molecule: A polyphenol found in the skin of grapes and other vegetables. Its most active and studied form is Trans-Resveratrol .
-
Importance for the Athlete: Resveratrol is known for activating sirtuins, known as the "longevity genes." For an athlete, this translates into:
- Improved mitochondrial function , resulting in greater energy efficiency.
- Powerful anti-inflammatory effect , which accelerates recovery.
- Improved insulin sensitivity , optimizing the use of glucose as fuel.
- Dosage and Purity: Purity is key. Look for products with 98-99% trans-resveratrol . Effective doses to combat oxidative stress from exercise range from 150-500 mg per day .
5. Milk Thistle (Silymarin Extract)
- The Molecule: The active compound in Milk Thistle is Silymarin , a complex of flavonolignans.
-
Importance for the Athlete: The liver is the body's central laboratory, processing nutrients and eliminating toxins. Intense training puts an extra strain on it. Silymarin is the ultimate liver protector:
- Protects liver cells from damage induced by metabolic stress.
- Increases glutathione levels specifically in the liver.
- Optimizes the detoxification function , essential for eliminating byproducts of energy metabolism.
- Dosage and Purity: Look for extracts standardized to contain 80% Silymarin . Doses for athletes range from 200-400 mg per day .
Conclusion: Invest in your Biology
LUXFEEL and Carmen Peñalver's approach is clear: elite performance is the result of optimized biology. Incorporating these five antioxidants into your regimen isn't simply about taking supplements; it's a strategic investment in your recovery, your energy, and your longevity as an athlete.
It's not about overriding the body's adaptive response to training stress, but rather about controlling it. It's about providing your cells with the purest molecular tools so they can rebuild stronger, more efficient, and more resilient.
Because true luxury is having a body that performs at its best, today and always.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. Before starting any new supplementation regimen, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or sports nutritionist to assess your individual needs.
