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# Free radical scavengers reduce radiation-induced DNA damage
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/free_radical_scavengers_dna_damage_0528160443/
- Published: 2016-05-28T05:42:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:10:47.000Z
- Description: Ionizing radiation generates reactive oxygen species that damage DNA. A 2001 study found scavengers such as DMSO, glycerol or cysteamine present during exposure helped protect DNA and improve cell survival. The article's extension to antioxidant supplements is theoretical.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Supplements, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Exposure to ionizing radiation like medical x-ray can cause genomic instability and induce cancer because the radiation generates free radicals or reactive oxygen species which can damage the DNA. Many studies indicate that free radical scavengers can help reduce the radiation-induced DNA damage and increase genomic instability. 

For instance, a study published in 2001in Free Radical Biology and Medicine suggests that the presence of free radical scavengers DMSO, glycerol or cysteamine when cells are exposed to radiation can help prevent radiation-generated reactive oxygen species from damaging DNA and increase survival of the cells injured by radiation. 

Also, the study shows measures that allow cells to chemically and or enzymatically repair lethal DNA damage induced by radiation can help maintain genomic stability and increase cellular survival. 

Theoretically, taking high doses of antioxidant supplements or free radical scavenging supplements such as DMSO can help maintain your antioxidant system and reduce DNA damage when you are exposed to radiation. A Japanese study suggests that high doses of vitamin C can be effective in preventing free radicals generated by radiation from damaging DNA. (David Liu)

*Charles L Limoli , Mark I Kaplan, Erich Giedzinski, William F Morgan, Attenuation of radiation-induced genomic instability by free radical scavengers and cellular proliferation, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 31, Issue 1, 1 July 2001, Pages 10–19*