What should I know about was ist oxidative stressanalyse dein gesundheitscheck?

An 'oxidative stress analysis' in a health check is not a standardized clinical test. It typically measures biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), or glutathione in blood or urine to assess the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity. However, evidence for its utility in healthy individuals is weak. Elevated oxidative stress markers are non-specific and occur in many conditions (inflammation, smoking, overnutrition). Genetic variants, e.g., in the CAT gene (catalase), may slightly affect antioxidant capacity, but effects are small and not actionable. Importantly, high-dose antioxidant supplements (e.g., vitamin E >300 mg/day, selenium >255 µg/day) can be harmful according to EFSA – increased mortality or diabetes risk has been shown in RCTs. Therefore, oxidative stress analysis is not recommended without a proven deficiency or clinical indication. Lifestyle factors (balanced diet, exercise, non-smoking) are the most effective strategy to reduce oxidative stress. The analysis can be performed in specialized labs, but interpretation requires expertise and should not be the sole basis for supplement decisions.