EMF Wellness Equipment: Wellness, Light Therapy & Research Equipment – Due to our family’s upcoming relocation, we are offering our collection of high-quality wellness, research, and environmental optimization equipment at significantly reduced prices.

Guest post by A. Lech — 09 June 2026

Premium Photobiomodulation (PBM), Red/NIR/UVA Systems, Water Treatment Equipment, EMF Tools, Research Instruments & Books

Photos & Pricing

Detailed photographs and individual pricing are available in the attached posters:

Purchase Information

• Location: Cape Town
• Payment: Cash or EFT
• Collection: Preferred
• Delivery: Possible for larger purchases by arrangement
• Contact: Whatsapp +27  63 787 9030 (reference EMFSA for priority response)
• Limited stock available.
• Once sold, items will not be replaced.

Background & Context

These items originate from a long-term home-based research and environmental design project focused on photobiomodulation (PBM), therapeutic lighting environments, low-EMF living systems, water quality and transformation, sensory regulation, and wellness-oriented home design.

A key focus of this work involved the creation of supportive home environments for neurodivergent individuals, including autism-related sensory and environmental considerations. The emphasis was on practical, lived-in application of environmental tools to better understand comfort, regulation, and day-to-day functional support.

Why These Systems Were Selected

• Targeted red/NIR, UVA, and full-spectrum lighting systems used in environments focused on cellular energy support, recovery, and overall wellness.
• Water filtration and transformation tools designed to support water quality and hydration-focused living environments.
• EMF-aware accessories, including testers, filters, and timers, intended to assist with environmental monitoring and low-EMF living practices.
• Durable, professional-grade equipment selected for long-term practical use, including applications explored in research, wellness, and environmental testing contexts.

Ideal For

• Health and wellness enthusiasts
• Practitioners, clinics, and therapists
• Wellness centres and integrative health spaces
• Researchers and experimental environments
• Individuals building/creating optimized home wellness or recovery-focused environments
• Neurodivergent and sensory-aware living setups
• Low-EMF and environmental optimisation

Categories

• Photobiomodulation (PBM) and red/NIR light therapy equipment
• UVA and full-spectrum lighting systems
• Water filtration and treatment equipment
• Water structuring devices
• EMF testing and mitigation accessories
• RF shielding materials and netting
• Magnetico and related wellness products
• Scientific research instruments
• Specialized health, wellness, and technical books
• Various accessories and supporting equipment

Key Features

• Professionally maintained and fully functional
• Lightly used and in excellent condition
• Suitable for home, practitioner, research, or wellness-center use
• Includes systems used in long-term environmental and wellness testing environments
• Many items are difficult to source locally
• Bundle purchases welcomed

EMF Wellness Equipment: Massive Relocation Sale

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The EMFSA May 2025 Newsletter takes a closer look at a widely publicized study that claims 5G is safe. While the media presented reassuring headlines, our analysis reveals key limitations in the research that deserve careful attention. This issue also highlights how antibiotics in cell cultures may confound EMF study results—an important but often overlooked factor.

• Mobile Phone EMF and Brain Activity
A new scoping review outlines major research gaps, especially around 5G-related frequencies. The review urges more consistent research methods and better-quality studies to assess EMF’s influence on brain activity.

• RF-EMF Exposure in Europe
In this issue, the EMFSA May 2025 Newsletter also covers a large-scale study measuring EMF exposure in over 800 microenvironments across ten European countries. One takeaway: stricter national limits often lead to lower background EMF—but can result in higher uplink exposure from personal devices during data transfers.

• Electrohypersensitivity (EHS): Reasonable Accommodation
We include insights from a perspective article that mentions reasonable accommodation for people with EHS, an increasingly recognized issue in workplace and public health discussions.

• EHS Skin Cell Study Emphasizes Need for In Vivo Research
The newsletter covers a new cell study showing delayed ATM protein activity in skin fibroblasts from self-diagnosed EHS individuals. The authors stress that in vivo studies are needed to confirm whether these findings translate to real-life biological responses.

• Upcoming
Stay tuned for Dariusz Leszczynski’s upcoming paper on EHS, recently accepted by the mHealth Journal—previewed in this month’s newsletter.

• Are AI Companions Just a Game?
A timely ethical question: are AI companions harmless, or can they foster addiction and emotional dependency?

• Breast Cancer Infographic: Exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN), especially blue light, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in genetically predisposed women.

• Is taurine in energy drinks a concern?

Read the full EMFSA May 2025 Newsletter: 5G Study Claims Safety

EMFSA April 2025 Newsletter – EMFSA

EMFSA (Electromagnetic Fields South Africa)

The post EMFSA May 2025 Newsletter appeared first on EMFSA.

AI-generated conceptual design by EMFSA (2025) using OpenAI’s DALL·E, depicting laboratory equipment used in studies on antibiotic use in mammalian cell cultures.

Can antibiotics interfere with cellular responses in mammalian systems?

• Antibiotics in cell culture: friend or foe? Suppression of keratinocyte growth and differentiation in monolayer cultures and 3D skin models

Ref. Nygaard, U.H., Niehues, H., Rikken, G., Rodijk-Olthuis, D., Schalkwijk, J. and van den Bogaard, E.H. (2015), Antibiotics in cell culture: friend or foe? Suppression of keratinocyte growth and differentiation in monolayer cultures and 3D skin models. Exp Dermatol, 24: 964-965. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.12834

• PromoCell Blog: Antibiotics in Cell Culture: Friend or Enemy?

• Use antibiotics in cell culture with caution: genome-wide identification of antibiotic-induced changes in gene expression and regulation – PMC

Ref. Ryu AH, Eckalbar WL, Kreimer A, Yosef N, Ahituv N. Use antibiotics in cell culture with caution: genome-wide identification of antibiotic-induced changes in gene expression and regulation. Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 8;7(1):7533. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-07757-w. PMID: 28790348; PMCID: PMC5548911.

Experimental Standards

Antibiotic use in mammalian cell cultures remains a common practice to prevent contamination, but its unintended effects on gene expression, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic profiles warrant closer scrutiny.

This post sets the stage for our next article: an in-depth look at a recent study on 5G millimeter wave exposure and gene expression in human skin cells. https://www.emfsa.co.za/research-and-studies/5g-research-one-swallow-does-not-make-a-summer/

Explore Radiofrequency radiation and metal containing nanoparticles

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The system’s goal seems less about understanding public concerns and more about managing emotional reactions. In particular, it targets negative sentiment linked to EMF infrastructure. Phrases like “curbing adverse development trends in public opinion” or “guiding sentiment through positive media engagement” suggest a deeper agenda. These terms hint at efforts to shape or suppress concern, rather than to engage with it meaningfully.

A visual commentary on the monitoring and control of public sentiment on EMFs

Image generated by AI using OpenAI’s DALL·E – conceptual design by EMFSA, 2025.

This approach risks turning genuine public concern about EMF exposure into a public relations issue—something to be tracked, minimized, and reframed, rather than confronted with open dialogue, scientific transparency, or independent health assessments. It reinforces a top-down model of governance where sentiment is something to be shaped and controlled, not respected or engaged.

Of particular concern is the suggestion that ongoing surveillance of public emotion should inform rollout strategies. While public consultation is mentioned, it’s treated as a tool for defusing resistance—not for empowering communities or incorporating public input into meaningful health or planning policy.

The monitoring and control of public sentiment on EMFs: is being used not to understand why people are concerned, but to ensure those concerns don’t interfere with infrastructure goals. This raises questions about public trust, informed consent, and the role of science and technology in a democratic society. If EMF concerns are growing, the solution isn’t to fine-tune sentiment metrics—it’s to ensure that scientific research, transparent communication, and real public participation are at the center of the conversation.

Acknowledging Harm, Prioritizing Control

Section 3.2.1 of the paper presents clear evidence of potential EMF-related health effects and questions around safety limits. Yet, the paper’s primary focus is not on addressing these risks, but on tracking, shaping, and controlling negative public opinion—despite acknowledgment that such technologies may cause harm.

Editor’s note: This post was created in collaboration with ChatGPT for editorial support. All ideas and conclusions are the author’s own.

Reference:
Wei, Q., Ling, X., & Hu, J. (2025). Quantification and Analysis of Group Sentiment in Electromagnetic Radiation Public Opinion Events. Applied Sciences, 15(9), 5209. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15095209

Explore: Access to Information in a Democracy

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The Cheltenham Cell Mast Case – Steven Thomas challenged the installation of a 15-meter telecommunications mast in Cheltenham’s Central Conservation Area. The case: [2025] EWCA Civ 259.

Mr. Thomas opposed the mast due to concerns about EMFs, particularly their effects on individuals with medical implants like pacemakers. The legal challenge was prompted by the decision of the Cheltenham Borough Council that the development did not need prior approval.

High Court Judgment (2024)

The High Court ruled in [2024] EWHC 1035 (Admin) that the council made an error by failing to consider the potential impact of EMF on individuals with medical implants. However, it denied relief, ruling that the final decision would have remained unchanged even if the issue had been addressed.

Court of Appeal Decision (2025)

Thomas appealed the ruling, but in [2025] EWCA Civ 259, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision. While the council had made a procedural error, it did not affect the approval of the mast. The appeal was dismissed, and the decision of the council stood.

Full case details

Case background

Winning the Battle but Losing the War

•The battle was won: The Cheltenham Cell Mast Case proved that Cheltenham Borough Council made a procedural error by failing to consider the impact of EMFs on individuals with medical implants.

•The war was lost: Despite this, the court did not overturn the decision by the council or stop the approval of the mast.

Public Health Concerns

This case underscores the need for local authorities to consider public health concerns, particularly for potentially vulnerable individuals, in telecom planning. However, it also shows that if the overall outcome is deemed justified, procedural errors may not change the final decision.

ICNIRP and RF- EMF Exposure Risks for Implants

RF- EMFs can interfere with active implants. This is acknowledged by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). ICNIRP considers such exposures outside the scope of its guidelines. Medical professionals and manufacturers are mostly responsible for the management. (Ref: Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz))

Everyday Devices

Smartphones, wearables, and audio devices emit electromagnetic fields. These fields can affect medical implants. For example, Apple advises users with pacemakers or defibrillators to maintain a safe distance from their devices. (Apple Support).

Key Takeaways:

• Councils should consider EMFs and medical implants—this case confirms that failing to do so can lead to legal challenges.
• However, overlooking these concerns may not always overturn a decision. The court ruled that officials would have approved the mast regardless.
• Future legal challenges may have a stronger case if it can be shown that the outcome could have been different had EMF risks regarding implants been considered.
• This case could set a legal precedent, encouraging councils to take specific EMF-related health concerns more seriously in planning decisions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified legal professional for specific legal concerns.

Related https://www.emfsa.co.za/research-and-studies/titanium-exposure-and-human-health/

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Link to our free October 2024 Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/ehs-cfs-me

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At night our bedrooms need to be a sanctuary, free of man made pollution such as EMF, light, noise, and chemical exposures.

Some diffusers use household power to operate and may potentially expose you to electric and magnetic fields when used in close proximity.

 As a precaution ensure that a minimum distance of 1 meter is kept between you, the electric wiring to the diffuser, and the diffuser itself.

The same advice applies to multiplugs, bedside lights and electric chargers.

For nightime a free and highly effective solution is to switch the power off (at the distribution board) to the bedroom.  This should include lighting circuits, as well as the adjacent rooms and any spaces directly below the bedroom.

A battery powered diffuser might be a better option.

Additionally, when using a diffuser, ensure the room is well-ventilated to maintain fresh air and prevent any buildup of essential oils that might cause irritation or discomfort.

By following these guidelines, one can minimize EMF exposure and create a more health-conscious sleeping environment.

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Every month, well over 100 scientific articles are published in peer-reviewed international journals that relate to electromagnetic fields ( EMF ) and their potential health-related effects. “Spotlight on EMF Research” presents individual current articles, classifies them in the context of the existing state of knowledge by the BfS and evaluates their relevance for radiation protection.

Read more at: https://www.bfs.de/DE/themen/emf/kompetenzzentrum/berichte/berichte-spotlight/berichte-spotlight_node.html

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30th of March 2024

•Should Concerned Individuals Resort to Antioxidant Supplements Amid 5G Fears?

•Examining the Wisdom of Taking Antioxidants for EMF and Cell Tower Worries

Oxidative stress; ROS

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to detoxify or repair the resulting damage. The chemical oxidation and reduction reactions are the basis for all biochemical processes that make biological activities and life possible. The relatively reactive molecular oxygen in our atmosphere plays a key role in generating energy from sunlight and in the conversion of this energy through cellular respiration in the mitochondria to make it available for other biological processes. For the functionality of cells and the organism, it is therefore essential that the reducing and oxidising molecules are in balance. This is known as redox equilibrium, which is controlled and maintained by the cell’s own sensors, signalling pathways and defence mechanisms. If imbalanced in direction of an increase in oxidative processes, we speak of oxidative stress.*

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)  are formed as natural byproducts of cellular metabolism.

The importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been gradually acknowledged over the last four decades. Initially perceived as unwanted products of detrimental oxidative stress, they have been upgraded since, and now ROS are also known to be essential for the regulation of physiological cellular functions through redox signaling. (Milkovic et al., 2019).

The formation of ROS plays a fundamental role in many processes of neuronal development, plasticity and signal transduction to ensure normal functionality. (Oswald, M.C.W., et al., 2018)

An increase in ROS formation does not inevitably result in health-related and negative effects  

We are not without protection against ROS!

Our bodies and plant cells have many different enzymes and antioxidants that are used to scavenge or detoxify reactive oxygen species

There is a constant production of ROS in our bodies but at the same time a constant process of ROS scavenging or detoxification.

The Difference between  Eustress and Distress

Eustress is physiological oxidative stress that is necessary for cellular processes.

Distress is harmful oxidative stress 

There is no clearly defined boundary between Eustress and Distress.

Redox homeostasis

ROS production is not inherently harmful but rather finely regulated to maintain cellular homeostasis and functionality.

We cannot only regard reactive oxygen species as a toxic by-product of mitochondrial respiration.

Previously thought of as harmful agents only, they are now considered as important signaling molecules with potential therapeutic effect. Ref: Holzerová E, Prokisch H. Mitochondria: Much ado about nothing? How dangerous is reactive oxygen species production? Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2015 Jun;63:16-20. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.01.021. Epub 2015 Feb 7. PMID: 25666559; PMCID: PMC4444525. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444525/

ROS Function in Redox Signaling and Oxidative Stress

Studies over the past two decades in various organisms, tissues and cell types have led to a shift in our understanding of ROS: we no longer view them just as molecules that invoke damage (i.e. oxidative stress) but now also appreciate their role in regulating signaling pathways that impinge on normal physiological and biological responses (i.e. redox biology). Ref. Michael Schieber, Navdeep S. Chandel, ROS Function in Redox Signaling and Oxidative Stress, Current Biology, Volume 24, Issue 10, 2014, Pages  -R462, ISSN 0960-9822, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2014.03.034.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982214003261)

Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health

In this review, from 2017, the authors described the findings in the oxidative stress field, highlighting both its bad and good sides for human health. Ref. Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Arcoraci V, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8416763. doi: 10.1155/2017/8416763. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28819546; PMCID: PMC5551541 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551541/

Editorial: The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Protective Immunity

ROS are not only essential for antimicrobial defense but also exert a variety of crucial regulatory functions, reaching from the modulation of transcriptional programs to mediating differentiation fate. On the other hand, oxidative stress can contribute to various pathologies, including neuronal degenerative diseases, autoimmunity as well as cancer. Therefore, the potential therapeutic intervention in ROS biology will need extensive temporal and spatial fine tuning. Ref. Martinvalet D and Walch M (2022) Editorial: The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Protective Immunity. Front. Immunol. 12:832946. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.832946 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.832946/full

The Two Faces of Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer

The role of ROS in cancer is not one-sided. 

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), now appreciated for their cellular signaling capabilities, have a dual role in cancer. On the one hand, ROS can promote protumorigenic signaling, facilitating cancer cell proliferation, survival, and adaptation to hypoxia. On the other hand, ROS can promote antitumorigenic signaling and trigger oxidative stress–induced cancer cell death. Ref. Reczek, C. R., & Chandel, N. S. (2017). The two faces of reactive oxygen species in cancer. Annual Review of Cancer Biology, 1, 79-98. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-041916-065808 https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-041916-065808

Lesser talked about causes of oxidative stress

Circadian Disruption

Pollution (noise, light air pollution)

Vigorous exercise

Alcohol

Image https://limewire.com/post/385039c0-5d6b-4fbf-ad48-49805497d6cc

The Influence of Circadian Rhythm on the Activity of Oxidative Stress Enzymes

The circadian system synchronizes daily with the day–night cycle of our environment. Disruption of this rhythm impacts the emergence and development of many diseases caused, for example, by the overproduction of free radicals, leading to oxidative damage of cellular components. Ref. Budkowska, M.; Cecerska-Heryć, E.; Marcinowska, Z.; Siennicka, A.; Dołęgowska, B. The Influence of Circadian Rhythm on the Activity of Oxidative Stress Enzymes. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 14275. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232214275

Blue Light Damage and p53: Unravelling the Role of p53 in Oxidative-Stress-Induced Retinal Apoptosis

In the digital age, the widespread presence of electronic devices has exposed humans to an exceptional amount of blue light (BL) emitted from screens, LEDs, and other sources. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to BL could have harmful effects on the visual system and circadian rhythm regulation. BL is known to induce oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage.

According to the authors, the findings of this study raise concerns about the long-term consequences of the current daily BL exposure and its potential involvement in various pathological conditions, including oxidative-stress-based retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration. In addition, this study paves the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for oxidative-stress-based retinal diseases. Ref. Fietz, A.; Corsi, F.; Hurst, J.; Schnichels, S. Blue Light Damage and p53: Unravelling the Role of p53 in Oxidative-Stress-Induced Retinal Apoptosis. Antioxidants 2023, 12, 2072. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12122072

LIGHT POLLUTION: a systematic review about the impacts of artificial light on human health

This systematic review concluded that the increase in exposure to artificial light triggers mainly sleep and mood disorders, with light from electronic devices and artificial night the main source of pollution. Activation of oxidative stress is recognised as one of the pathways involved. Ref. Marli Do Carmo Cupertino, Bianca Thiengo Guimarães, José Flávio Giardini Pimenta, Leonardo Victor Lima Dutra Almeida, Lorran Nunes Santana, Thalia Azevedo Ribeiro & Yuri Nunes Santana (2023) LIGHT POLLUTION: a systematic review about the impacts of artificial light on human health, Biological Rhythm Research, 54:3, 263-275, DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2022.2151763

Alcohol, oxidative stress, and free radical damage 

Alcohol promotes the generation of ROS and/or interferes with the body’s normal defense mechanisms against these compounds through numerous processes, particularly in the liver. Ref. Wu D, Cederbaum AI. Alcohol, oxidative stress, and free radical damage. Alcohol Res Health. 2003;27(4):277-84. PMID: 15540798; PMCID: PMC6668865. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6668865/

Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress and the Role of Antioxidants in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review

The authors caution us that it is important to keep in mind that pathways implicated in alcohol metabolism, oxidative stress defense systems, inflammation, and neurodegeneration are under genetic control. Due to the genetic variability, one therapeutic approach may not fit all patients. Better understanding of underlying genetic factors regulating alcohol-related pathways may be the key to personalized treatment of  alcohol use disorder (AUD). Ref. Tsermpini, E.E.; Plemenitaš Ilješ, A.; Dolžan, V. Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress and the Role of Antioxidants in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants 2022, 11, 1374. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071374 https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/7/1374

Implications of Exposure to Air Pollution on Male Reproduction: The Role of Oxidative Stress 

In this  study the authors touch on the clinical implications of air pollution on male reproduction while highlighting the role of oxidative stress. Ref. Omolaoye, T.S.; Skosana, B.T.; Ferguson, L.M.; Ramsunder, Y.; Ayad, B.M.; Du Plessis, S.S. Implications of Exposure to Air Pollution on Male Reproduction: The Role of Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants 2024, 13, 64. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/1/64

Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to traffic noise-induced vascular and cerebral dysfunction via uncoupling of nitric oxide synthases  

This review highlights the down-stream pathophysiology of noise-induced mental stress, which is based on an induction of inflammation and oxidative stress. Ref. Daiber A, Kröller-Schön S, Oelze M, Hahad O, Li H, Schulz R, Steven S, Münzel T. Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to traffic noise-induced vascular and cerebral dysfunction via uncoupling of nitric oxide synthases. Redox Biol. 2020 Jul;34:101506. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101506. Epub 2020 Apr 20. PMID: 32371009; PMCID: PMC7327966. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7327966/

“Antioxidant/s” – what is in a name?

Image: AI generated by Picsart

•Using the term “antioxidant” to refer to substances is misleading. It is really a chemical property, namely, the ability to act as an electron donor. Some substances that act as antioxidants in one situation may be pro-oxidants—electron grabbers—in a different situation. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/

Looking Back at the Early Stages of Redox Biology

The most serious confusion came from the term antioxidants. Meanwhile this term is degenerated to describe something that is presumed to be good for human health. The idea that this perception is not simply biased may be exemplified by glucose, which is thought not to be good for human health and is (perhaps as a consequence) never called an antioxidant. As a polyol, however, glucose is an efficient free radical trap [201]) and, when metabolized, is the main source of reduced pyridine nucleotides, the small currency of redox biology, which guarantees defense against peroxide challenge and repair of oxidant damage.

A clear definition of antioxidants no longer exists. They comprise free radical trapping agents such as polyphenols, substrates of enzymes (e.g., GSH), which by themselves are poor or no antioxidants at all, and compounds that become constituents or cofactors of enzymes (e.g., selenium or zinc). Intriguingly, despite the heavy promotion of antioxidants in the lay press, controlled clinical trials in various “oxidative stress diseases” yielded overwhelmingly negative results (no or adverse effects) [89,342].

In short, in a biomedical context we do not need “antioxidants”, neither as scientific terms nor as dietary supplements to treat oxidative stress diseases. At best, we can expect a hormetic response from real antioxidants, which often share the tendency to act as pro-oxidants in vivo (see Section 6). Ref. Flohé, L. Looking Back at the Early Stages of Redox Biology. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 1254. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9121254

Potential harms of supplementation with high doses of antioxidants in athletes

Vigorous exercise generates large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a result of the consumption of large volumes of O2 in athletes, causing some athletes to consume antioxidants in the erroneous belief that this will counteract the damaging effects of ROS. Ref. Li S, Fasipe B, Laher I. Potential harms of supplementation with high doses of antioxidants in athletes. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2022 Oct;20(4):269-275. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2022.06.001. Epub 2022 Jun 11. PMID: 35812825; PMCID: PMC9241084.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9241084/

Hormesis and Oxidative Distress: Pathophysiology of Reactive Oxygen Species and the Open Question of Antioxidant Modulation and Supplementation

The review herein provides an overview of the pathophysiological role of ROS and focuses the attention on positive and negative aspects of antioxidant modulation with the intent to find new insights for a successful clinical application.

Considering the positive and negative aspects of antioxidant modulation, it could be crucial in the future to identify new intracellular redox-related targets and to monitor in real time the “right balance” of ROS in each patient under the different conditions of disease and of therapeutic treatment in order to improve strategies for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Ref. Nitti, M.; Marengo, B.; Furfaro, A.L.; Pronzato, M.A.; Marinari, U.M.; Domenicotti, C.; Traverso, N. Hormesis and Oxidative Distress: Pathophysiology of Reactive Oxygen Species and the Open Question of Antioxidant Modulation and Supplementation. Antioxidants 2022, 11, 1613. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11081613 https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/8/1613

Defense mechanisms and normal signaling

As research has progressed, it has become evident that antioxidants—especially in larger-than-usual amounts—may not always be beneficial. Large amounts of antioxidants may interfere with important functions in the cell, including its defense mechanisms and normal signaling. In addition, different types of antioxidants may not be interchangeable. Each of the many antioxidants found in the body has different properties. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidant-supplements-what-you-need-to-know

VIDEO: Oxygen, Stress, and Antioxidants (Ron Mittler, PhD) https://youtu.be/zFzAMQMzf5c

“Should We Be Scared of Reactive Oxygen Species?”

Video Description

Oxygen is essential for life, but it also has a dark side. In the presence of oxygen (that is abundant in our atmosphere) all cells can and do produce toxic compounds called reactive oxygen species. These compounds can attack proteins, DNA, lipids, and other cellular components and induce a dangerous state called ‘oxidative stress’. The damage caused by reactive oxygen species was blamed for aging, cancer and several other diseases, and a whole industry of antioxidants (for example, Vitamin C and E) emerged on the basis of this blame. In recent years however a complete overhaul of this concept is taking precedence, and numerous studies have shown that reactive oxygen species are required for life, acting as important regulators of many essential processes in different organisms. Examples for these include the immune response, proliferation of stem cells, and responses of cells to different stresses and pathogens. So, what should we believe? In this presentation, Dr. Mittler provided a balanced view of these two opposing viewpoints and showed by using different examples that, as with almost everything in life, balance is the answer.

EMFSA: When clearly indicated, antioxidants can play a role but as research indicates, it is a very delicate balance that can easily be disturbed with resulting adverse consequences. Simply taking antioxidant supplements to protect against 5G or EMF exposure is in our opinion not advised. Fresh, locally produced fruit and vegetables are wiser choices.

 *  https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Newsletter-BERENIS-Special-Issue-January-2021-1-1.pdf

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Publication date: 24-Mar-2023

In Germany, the expansion of the power grid and the construction of several new high-voltage lines across the country are a result of the switch to renewable energy sources. In addition, the new 5G mobile communications standard and the introduction of digital technologies in almost all scenarios of daily life are imminent. This leads to changed exposure conditions of the population and the environment to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (EMF) of all frequency ranges. As a result, public concern about possible health effects from EMF could increase. In scientific and public debates, oxidative stress is often postulated as an EMF-induced mechanism affecting biological systems. The term oxidative stress describes the imbalance between the production of reactive (oxidizing) chemical species and the breakdown of such chemical species by antioxidant defense mechanisms. The WHO has commissioned several systematic reviews dealing with possible health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. One of these systematic reviews addresses the topic of radiofrequency fields and biomarkers for oxidative stress. As part of the international workshop, the current state of research was comprehensively examined with international experts in a three-day event in order to approach the topic from different scientific perspectives, identify gaps in knowledge and, where necessary, initiate new research.

http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0221-2023032336903

PDF of the meeting:

https://doris.bfs.de/jspui/bitstream/urn:nbn:de:0221-2023032336903/4/BfS_2023_3621EMF104_Anlagen.pdf

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