Oxidative stress is involved in phenomena which break down the components of cells, i.e. lipids, proteins and DNA. In the long term, these phenomena cause physiological dysfunction, generally leading to the premature ageing of our body. This oxidative stress is also implicated in the occurrence of a large number of diseases such as cancer, degenerative conditions, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease (see figure below).

In addition, oxidative stress affects the production of energy by muscle cells. It is scientifically recognized that increased oxidative stress induces leakage of electrons from the mitochondrial respiratory chain, directly linked to a decrease in energy production (for more information).