Embracing the New Paradigm In adopting this new paradigm, it is important still to retain the lessons of the preceeding several decades of research, which showed beyond question that uncontrolled oxidative stress damages fragile lipid and other molecules, promotes inflammation, is generally pathogenic, and speeds the aging process. There remains a massive literature linking oxidative stress with most degenerative diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, macular degeneration and many others. Whole books are still written on this subject.

The old paradigm had value, but led to foolishly-designed trials using very high doses of isolated small-molecule antioxidants, with the expectation that this would cure or mitigate major diseases. These expectations were unwise. Although such supplementation might have been effective in Controlling inappropriate oxidative stress, it may also have depressed essential oxidations such as those required for synthesis of prostaglandins or for mitochondrial energy production.