Total antioxidant status blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Every day the body produces reactive molecules, sometimes called free radicals, as a normal part of energy production, exercise and fighting infection. Antioxidants help keep these in check. Some, such as uric acid, albumin and bilirubin, are made in the body, while others, including vitamins C and E and carotenoids, come mainly from food.

Total antioxidant status (TAS) measures the combined ability of these substances in your blood to neutralise reactive molecules in a laboratory reaction. It is a general wellbeing marker rather than a diagnostic test: it does not identify a particular deficiency or condition, and it is most informative when looked at alongside individual vitamins and other markers.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You want a general measure of how your diet may be supporting your antioxidant defences.
• You eat few fruits and vegetables and want a starting point for dietary changes.
• You train hard and are interested in recovery and nutrition.
• You smoke, or have recently stopped, and are interested in the effect on oxidative balance.
• You would like to track a lifestyle marker over time with practitioner guidance.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your total antioxidant status against the laboratory reference range. A lower result can be associated with diets low in fruit and vegetables, smoking, heavy training or illness. A higher result may reflect supplements, but uric acid makes up a large share of the measurement, so a raised uric acid level can also push TAS up.

Because TAS combines many substances, your practitioner will interpret it with your diet and other results. A result outside the range is a reason for a conversation about lifestyle and nutrition, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is required, although taking the sample before a large meal or high-dose vitamin supplement gives a more typical reading. Avoid heavy exercise on the day of the test, and tell us about any antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E or coenzyme Q10. Our team will confirm the preparation that applies to you when you book.

Total antioxidant status is included in Nutritional and Digestive Health and in Sports Performance, which add many other diet and recovery markers. You can also browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a total antioxidant status test in Chiswick?

The Total Antioxidant Status test costs £59. It includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Does a low TAS mean I am ill?

No. It is a general marker that can be affected by diet, smoking, exercise and recent illness. Your practitioner will help you understand what may be influencing it.

Should I take antioxidant supplements if my result is low?

For most people, increasing fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds is the first step. High-dose supplements are not always helpful, so discuss them with your practitioner.

How often should I repeat this test?

If you make lifestyle changes, retesting after a few months can show whether your result has shifted.