Endpoint

Total antioxidant capacity

CAT:outcome/total-antioxidant-capacityreported in mmol/L21 findings from 14 compounds

What moved it

21 findings · 14 compounds · 6 null · by evidence strength

Compound	Direction	Findings	Strongest evidence
coenzyme Q10	no effect 3 · up 1	4	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
curcumin	up 3 · no effect 1	4	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
melatonin	up	2	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
Bifidobacterium animalis	down	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
L-ascorbic acid	up	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
Panax ginseng	no effect	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
Rhodiola rosea	up	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
selenium atom	up	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
Zn(2+)	up	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
titanium dioxide	no effect	1	Evidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.
crocin-1	up	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
L-arginine	up	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
lipoic acid	up	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
resveratrol	up	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.

Reported to move it

15 findings

melatonin — increases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×1
“The meta-analysis indicated that melatonin supplementation considerably lowered serum MDA levels (WMD: −1.54 μmol/L, 95% CI: −2.07, −1.01) and markedly increased serum TAC levels (WMD: 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.22) in the melatonin-treated group versus the untreated group.”
Quoted verbatim from Comprehensive Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults, pooled across 63 RCTs of melatonin supplementation across mixed clinical populations (including metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, PCOS, COVID-19, multiple sclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions)
Effect 0.15 mean difference, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.22
Comprehensive Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis.2025PMID:41515249Permalink
melatonin — increases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×1
“Our meta-analysis indicated that melatonin intake significantly increase TAC levels (SMD: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.46, 1.28, I2 = 00.00%) compare to placebo (Table 2).”
Quoted verbatim from Effect of melatonin supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress and hormonal profile in PCOS patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Dose

3-10 mg/day oral
Population

women with polycystic ovary syndrome; 6 double-blind RCTs
Effect 0.87 standardised mean difference, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.28
Effect of melatonin supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress and hormonal profile in PCOS patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.2024PMID:38965577Permalink
curcumin — increases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×2
“TAS levels were significantly higher in the curcumin group than in the placebo group (1.85 [1.74–1.95] vs. 1.65 [1.55–1.79], p < 0.001), with a large effect size ( r = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.61–0.81).”
Quoted verbatim from Curcumin Supplementation Reduces Inflammation, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Antioxidant Status in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

12 months
Dose

Curcumin 1500 mg/day orally for 12 months
Population

Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity (n=114 randomised); secondary endpoint; between-group comparison at 12 months; total antioxidant status reported in micromol trolox equivalent/L
Curcumin Supplementation Reduces Inflammation, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Antioxidant Status in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.2026PMID:42123439Industry fundedPermalink
curcumin — increases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×2
“Compared to the placebo group, curcumin supplementation significantly enhanced antioxidant defenses, as evidenced by increased levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.”
Quoted verbatim from Curcumin Attenuates Liver Steatosis via Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

12 months
Dose

Oral ethanolic Curcuma longa rhizome extract standardised to 75-85% total curcuminoids, 250 mg curcuminoids per capsule, three capsules twice daily (1500 mg curcuminoids/day) for 12 months
Population

Obese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus managed on metformin (age >=35 y, BMI >=23 kg/m2, HbA1c <6.5%), Nakhon Nayok, Thailand; 227 randomised, per-protocol analysis and the analysed count is not reported in the paper; secondary endpoint (declared primary outcome: liver steatosis by controlled attenuation parameter on transient elastography); total antioxidant capacity by the automated Erel assay
Curcumin Attenuates Liver Steatosis via Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.2025PMID:41096556Industry fundedPermalink
curcumin — increases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×2
“In contrast, nanocurcumin significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (SMD: 1.60; 95% CI: 0.93 to 2.31) and reduced malondialdehyde levels (SMD: -1.93; 95% CI: -3.19 to -0.66), indicating a robust antioxidative effect.”
Quoted verbatim from Evaluating the Effects of Nanocurcumin Supplementation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Participants

153
Population

adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
Evaluating the Effects of Nanocurcumin Supplementation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.2026PMID:42171191Permalink
Bifidobacterium animalis — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Finding
“Plasma total antioxidant status, assessed as Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), declined modestly in the probiotic group (Δ = −0.004 mg TE/mL) and increased in the placebo group (Δ = +0.002 mg TE/mL), with a significant intergroup difference (p < 0.001).”
Quoted verbatim from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis TISTR 2591 Improves Glycemic Control and Immune Response in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Clinical Trial..
Study

crossover
Duration

6 weeks
Dose

three 350 mg capsules daily (1050 mg), guaranteed minimum 1 x 10^9 CFU/g
Population

Thai adults aged 35 to 65 with type 2 diabetes mellitus on metformin monotherapy in both phases; 6-week probiotic and placebo phases with 4-week washout
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis TISTR 2591 Improves Glycemic Control and Immune Response in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Clinical Trial.2025PMID:41097174Permalink

Show the remaining 9

Zn(2+) — increases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Finding
“Four studies showed significantly higher TAC with zinc supplementation (SMD = 1.79; 95% CI 0.68 to 2.91; p = 0.002), with substantial heterogeneity (I 2 = 92%).”
Quoted verbatim from Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Insulin Resistance, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes or prediabetes in 18 pooled RCTs of zinc supplementation against placebo or standard care
Effect 1.79 standardised mean difference, 95% CI 0.68 to 2.91
Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Insulin Resistance, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.2026PMID:42594341Permalink
L-ascorbic acid — increases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Finding
“TAC was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both GSE and Vitamin C groups comparing control group at T2 and T3 times.”
Quoted verbatim from Comparative effect of grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) and ascorbic acid in oxidative stress induced by on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery..
Study

RCT
Dose

25 mg/kg vitamin C through pump circulation during surgery
Population

Patients undergoing elective first-time coronary artery bypass surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass; vitamin C arm versus a no-treatment control arm (a separate grape seed extract arm was also run); coronary sinus blood at ischemia (T2) and reperfusion (T3)
Comparative effect of grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) and ascorbic acid in oxidative stress induced by on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.2017PMID:28074795Permalink
selenium atom — increases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Finding
“Although selenium can improve TAC in PCOS patients, it has no significant effect on BMI, Total Testosterone, et al.”
Quoted verbatim from Effects of selenium supplementation on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome; randomized trials of selenium supplementation, 389 cases pooled across all outcomes
Effects of selenium supplementation on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials.2023PMID:36740666Permalink
Rhodiola rosea — increases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Finding
“The RHO group demonstrated a statistically significant increase compared to the CTR group in TAC values (p = 0.044, 95% CI = [−0.060, −0.001], ηp2 = 0.001).”
Quoted verbatim from The Effect of Short-Term Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Simulated Game Time, Perceived Fatigue, and Performance in Basketball Players..
Study

RCT
Duration

4 weeks
Dose

2.4 g/day, taken fasted 30 min before breakfast and lunch, for 28 days
Population

48 professional male basketball players, Rhodiola group versus control group given empty capsules; plasma TAC (Randox-TAS) after 28 days
The Effect of Short-Term Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Simulated Game Time, Perceived Fatigue, and Performance in Basketball Players.2025PMID:41373984Industry fundedPermalink
crocin-1 — increases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“Also, crocin supplementation led to a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SMD: 1.48; 95%CI: 0.52 to 2.43; p = 0.002).”
Quoted verbatim from Crocin Supplementation on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Adults supplemented with crocin in pooled randomised clinical trials
Effect 1.48 standardised mean difference, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.43
Crocin Supplementation on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2025PMID:39632602Permalink
lipoic acid — increases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“ALA significantly improved TAC levels but had no effect on CRP.”
Quoted verbatim from Alpha-lipoic acid as a preventive measure in radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled study..
Study

RCT
Dose

600 mg twice daily
Population

Head and neck cancer patients receiving definitive radiotherapy, randomised to oral ALA or placebo tablets throughout the radiotherapy period
Alpha-lipoic acid as a preventive measure in radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled study.2026PMID:41804854Permalink
coenzyme Q10 — increases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“CoQ10 supplementation, in the tested range of doses, was shown to reduce MDA concentrations, and increase TAC and antioxidant defense system enzymes.”
Quoted verbatim from Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and oxidative stress parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

participants in randomized clinical trials of CoQ10 supplementation
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and oxidative stress parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.2020PMID:32583356Permalink
resveratrol — increases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“Although, resveratrol supplementation increased significantly circulating total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentrations (SMD (0.52), (95% CI -0.02 to 1.07), p=0.05).”
Quoted verbatim from Therapeutic effect of resveratrol supplementation on oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults in randomised controlled trials of resveratrol supplementation
Therapeutic effect of resveratrol supplementation on oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.2020PMID:31628212Permalink
L-arginine — increases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“After 30 and 60 days, significant increases in NO and TAS levels (p<0.001), as well as extended PFWD (p<0.001), were observed across all subgroups receiving L-arginine compared with controls.”
Quoted verbatim from Assessment of the effectiveness and safety of two-month oral supplementation with L-arginine depending on the type of lipid metabolism disorder in patients with atherosclerotic lower limb ischemia..
Study

RCT
Dose

6 g/day, oral, for 30 and 60 days
Population

Patients over 50 years of age with Fontaine stage II atherosclerotic lower limb ischemia (hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and mixed hyperlipidemia subgroups)
Assessment of the effectiveness and safety of two-month oral supplementation with L-arginine depending on the type of lipid metabolism disorder in patients with atherosclerotic lower limb ischemia.2025PMID:41364169Permalink

Measured, no effect detected

6 findings

Panax ginseng — no detected effect on
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.FindingNull result
“The serum TAC level was increased in both the 1 g and 2 g P. ginseng groups, but the changed values were not significantly different from that of the control group.”
Quoted verbatim from Antifatigue effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

4 weeks
Dose

1 g/day or 2 g/day P. ginseng extract (four 250 mg capsules, twice daily)
Population

adults with idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF); pooled across 1 g/day and 2 g/day P. ginseng dose arms vs placebo
Antifatigue effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.2013PMID:23613825Industry fundedPermalink
coenzyme Q10 — no detected effect on
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.FindingNull resultreplicated ×2
“As shown in Table 2, the between-group comparison revealed no significant difference between CoQ10 and placebo groups at the end of the study for MDA (P = 0.692), SOD activity (P = 0.633), and TAC (P = 0.865).”
Quoted verbatim from Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in burn patients: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial..
Study

RCT
Participants

52
Duration

10 days
Dose

100 mg three times a day after meals, total 300 mg/day
Population

Adults aged 18-65 with 20-60% total body surface area burns admitted to a burn ICU in Isfahan, Iran, all receiving routine burn care and the unit's standard vitamin, selenium, zinc and B-complex supplementation in both arms; primary outcome.
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in burn patients: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.2024PMID:38431600Permalink
titanium dioxide — no detected effect on
LimitedEvidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.FindingNull result
“No statistically significant difference was detected between the control and E171‐exposed groups in the TEAC or TCA‐TEAC assays (Figure.”
Quoted verbatim from Dietary Titanium Dioxide (E171) Alters the Colon Transcriptome-Evidence From a Human Dietary Intervention Study..
Study

crossover
Duration

14 days
Dose

2 mg/kg body weight/day of E171 for 2 weeks
Population

31 healthy adults
Dietary Titanium Dioxide (E171) Alters the Colon Transcriptome-Evidence From a Human Dietary Intervention Study.2026PMID:42613907Permalink
coenzyme Q10 — no detected effect on
LimitedEvidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.FindingNull resultreplicated ×2
“There was no statistically significant change in TAC between the patients treated with doxorubicin + CoQ10 and doxorubicin + placebo.”
Quoted verbatim from Phase I Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Dose-Finding Study of Coenzyme Q10 on Doxorubicin Pharmacokinetics during Breast Cancer Treatment..
Study

crossover
Participants

6
Dose

300 mg/day, two 150 mg softgel capsules once daily with food
Population

Women aged 21 or older with stage I-III breast cancer receiving dose-dense doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide, each acting as her own control across one cycle with coenzyme Q10 and one with placebo; secondary endpoint.
Phase I Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Dose-Finding Study of Coenzyme Q10 on Doxorubicin Pharmacokinetics during Breast Cancer Treatment.2025PMID:41261512Permalink
curcumin — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull result
“However, curcumin did not significantly change total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ES = 0.29; 95 % CI: -0.09, 0.66, P= 0.059).”
Quoted verbatim from The effects of curcumin supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function: A meta-analysis of meta-analyses..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults in randomized clinical trials of curcumin supplementation
The effects of curcumin supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function: A meta-analysis of meta-analyses.2024PMID:38945354Permalink
coenzyme Q10 — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull resultreplicated ×2
“No significant alteration in total antioxidant capacity was observed post-CoQ10 treatment.”
Quoted verbatim from The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on biomarkers of exercise-induced muscle damage, physical performance, and oxidative stress: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults in randomized controlled trials of exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress
The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on biomarkers of exercise-induced muscle damage, physical performance, and oxidative stress: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2024PMID:38479900Permalink

How it is measured

Total antioxidant capacity of plasma or serum by a bulk redox colorimetric assay (FRAP, TEAC/ABTS or equivalent), performed on a sample drawn from the subject. The assay is recorded with each finding, since FRAP and ABTS-based methods weight individual antioxidants differently.

Measured, not recorded

Subject: total antioxidant capacity
Measurements: 6 measurements
Recorded as a finding: No

Show what was measured

total antioxidant capacity
increases
Total antioxidant capacity was increased and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) were decreased with RBJ but not with CB
PMID:27278926 · one of two readings recorded this
total antioxidant capacity
increases
resveratrol intake (500 mg/day for 30 days) was demonstrated to reduce CVD risk factors by increasing SIRT1, enhancing total antioxidant capacity in healthy individuals
PMID:32183376 · one of two readings recorded this
Total antioxidant capacity
increases, p = 0.05
significant decrease in FBG, insulin, HbA1c, HOMO-IR, LDL-c, TG, VLDL, CHOL, LDL-c.HDL-c ratio, AIP, IL-6, and MDA and a significant increase in HDL-c, QUICKI index, BDNF, and TAC compared with the initial value (p for all <.05)
PMID:36101997 · one of two readings recorded this
total antioxidant capacity
decreases
Conversely, the total antioxidant capacity was significantly reduced in these groups
PMID:38313176 · one of two readings recorded this
total antioxidant capacity
increases
intake of curcumin/turmeric supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (WMD:0.21 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.33; I2 = 99.6%)
PMID:40538540 · one of two readings recorded this
total antioxidant capacity
increases, n = 153
A random‐effects meta‐analysis that included 3 trials with a total of 153 participants (76 cases and 77 controls) found a significant difference in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels after consuming nanocurcumin [SMD: 1.60, 95% CI: (0.93, 2.31), p = 0.00].
PMID:42171191 · one of two readings recorded this

Sources cited

21 papers

Subject: total antioxidant capacity
Findings: 21
Papers: 21