Antioxidant Supplements in the UK: Which Claims Are Actually Allowed
Few words sell supplements like "antioxidant". It sounds protective, healthy, modern. And oxidative stress is a genuine biological process. But in Great Britain, only a specific handful of nutrients may actually make an antioxidant-type claim — and many of the trendiest "antioxidant" ingredients aren't among them. Here's who's on the list, and who isn't.
The nutrients that CAN claim it
Exactly one authorised wording covers this area: "contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress." It belongs to these nutrients (each at ≥15% NRV per serving):
The popular ones that CAN'T (in the UK)
These are marketed hard as antioxidants, yet have no authorised antioxidant (or any) claim in Great Britain:
Astaxanthin · Resveratrol · Glutathione · CoQ10 · Curcumin · Green-tea & grape polyphenols
That doesn't mean they're inert — several are heavily researched. It means a UK product can describe what they are and cite the research, but can't legally promise an antioxidant benefit from them. When you see "powerful antioxidant" next to one of these names, read it as marketing enthusiasm, not an approved claim.
The tell. If an "antioxidant" claim is attached to a vitamin or mineral on the list above (at a real dose), it's legitimate. If it's attached to a botanical or a trendy compound, it's an implied benefit — judge it on the evidence, not the label.
Go deeper
Two of the most-searched "antioxidants", handled honestly: astaxanthin and resveratrol. For the framework, see what UK supplements are allowed to claim.
References
- Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims (NHC) Register — "protection of cells from oxidative stress" claims: gov.uk/…/great-britain-nutrition-and-health-claims-nhc-register
- NHS — Antioxidants (vitamins & minerals): nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals
This article is general information, not medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.
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