Antioxidants and Phytonutrients

Oldways organized the Antioxidant Initiative and assessed the best available evidence about naturally occurring phytonutrients and antioxidants (PAX). Based on analyses by a wide range of scientists worldwide, the best available evidence is that foods and drinks rich with PAX should be consumed more often.

This Antioxidant Initiative was a multi-year consumer education program focused entirely on persuading adults, children, and seniors that eating more foods flush with naturally occurring PAX will promote life-long good health.

To accomplish its objectives, the Antioxidant Initiative has three principal elements:

1. Dramatize the importance of consuming more PAX.
2. Promote a new "Daily Dozen" PAX program. Moving forward from "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," past the 5-A-Day program, the Antioxidant Initiative will expand the list of foods and drinks that contain antioxidants, making it easier for consumers to reach a "Daily Dozen" with variety, convenience and pleasure.
3. Educate children, adults, and seniors about the benefits of PAX in minimally processed foods, and equally about the uncertain benefits of PAX in supplement forms.

In sum, the Antioxidant Initiative emphasizes a lifestyle pattern built on the PAX in foods and drinks, combined with balance of other nutrients and calories and a regimen of regular physical activity.

The first scientific and policy conference of "The Antioxidant Initiative-Phytonutrients Complete the Good Health Puzzle" took place in April 2001, followed by a second, "PhytoVenture Project: PAX Mechanisms in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention," in September 2001.