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You’ve probably seen it before: a label that says “high in antioxidants” — and the number next to it is an ORAC score. But what if that number doesn’t tell the full story? The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay has been the go-to method for measuring antioxidant activity in food and supplements for decades. But new research is raising questions about whether ORAC is actually capturing what we think it does — and the implications go beyond science, into how we define “healthy” food.

Bottom line: ORAC is the most commonly used method for measuring antioxidant capacity, but it may not be the best way to understand how antioxidants work in real life.

How ORAC Works — and Why It’s So Popular

ORAC is a biochemical test that measures how well a substance can neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to disease. It’s popular because it uses peroxyl radicals, which are similar to the kind of oxidative stress that occurs in the body. It also mimics the pH and temperature of the human body, making it seem like a natural fit for assessing antioxidant activity.

The test works by exposing a sample to a known amount of peroxyl radicals and measuring how much of the radicals are neutralized over time. The result is expressed in Trolox equivalents, a unit derived from vitamin E, which is used as a standard for comparison. The more Trolox equivalents a food has, the higher its ORAC score — and the more “antioxidant power” it’s said to have.

But here’s the catch: ORAC doesn’t actually measure what’s happening in the body. It’s an in vitro test, meaning it’s done in a test tube, not in a living organism. That means it’s measuring how antioxidants react to a specific type of radical in a controlled environment — not how they behave when consumed as part of a diet.

The Flip Side: ORAC May Miss the Real Story

The ORAC assay has been criticized for several reasons. First, it doesn’t account for the complex interactions that occur in the human body. Antioxidants don’t work in isolation; they’re influenced by other nutrients, gut bacteria, and even the way food is digested. ORAC doesn’t capture these dynamic interactions.

Second, the test is highly dependent on the concentration of the sample. A small amount of a high-ORAC food might score higher than a larger amount of a lower-ORAC food, even if the latter has more total antioxidant power. This can lead to misleading comparisons between different foods.

Third, ORAC doesn’t consider the bioavailability of antioxidants. Some compounds are poorly absorbed by the body, even if they have a high ORAC score. For example, certain polyphenols in berries may be broken down by stomach acid before they ever reach the bloodstream, making their antioxidant effect minimal in practice.

The review highlights that while ORAC is useful for comparing the relative antioxidant capacity of different substances, it’s not a reliable predictor of how those substances will behave in the body. This is a critical distinction, especially when it comes to marketing claims about the health benefits of certain foods or supplements.

The Broader Picture: Antioxidants Aren’t Just About Neutralizing Radicals

When we think about antioxidants, we often imagine them as the body’s personal shield against oxidative stress. But the reality is more nuanced. Antioxidants can have multiple roles in the body, including:

• Modulating inflammation: Some antioxidants may help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like heart disease and cancer.
• Supporting immune function: Antioxidants can enhance the body’s ability to fight off infections and repair damaged cells.
• Protecting DNA: Antioxidants may help prevent DNA damage, which is a key factor in aging and disease.
• Regulating cellular signaling: Antioxidants can influence the activity of enzymes and proteins that control cell growth and death.

These roles are not captured by ORAC, which focuses only on radical scavenging. This means that even if a food has a high ORAC score, it might not be the best choice for someone looking to support immune function or reduce inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is ORAC still so popular if it has limitations?
A: ORAC is popular because it’s relatively easy to perform, it uses a standardized method, and it provides a quantitative measure of antioxidant capacity. However, its limitations mean it’s not the best tool for understanding how antioxidants work in the body.

Q: Are there better ways to measure antioxidant activity?
A: Yes, there are other methods, such as the DPPH assay, FRAP assay, and cell-based assays that can provide more insight into how antioxidants behave in the body. These methods are often more complex and require specialized equipment, but they offer a more comprehensive picture of antioxidant function.

Q: Does a high ORAC score mean a food is healthier?
A: Not necessarily. A high ORAC score indicates that a food has a strong capacity to neutralize radicals in a test tube, but it doesn’t guarantee that the food will have the same effect in the human body. Other factors, like bioavailability and interactions with other nutrients, play a significant role in determining the actual health benefits of a food.

Q: Can ORAC be used to compare different foods?
A: Yes, ORAC can be used to compare the antioxidant capacity of different foods, but it should be done with caution. The results should be interpreted in the context of other factors, such as the food’s overall nutritional profile and how it’s consumed.

Q: Is ORAC still a valid method for research?
A: Yes, ORAC is still a valid method for research, especially when the goal is to compare the relative antioxidant capacity of different substances. However, it should not be used as the sole basis for making health claims about foods or supplements.

Sources

• ¶ORAC: The Method of Choice for Determining Antioxidant Capacity of Food Products?
• ¶Microbial Fermentation as a Tool to Improve the Antioxidant and Functional Value of Milk Products
• ¶Antioxidants in Plant-Based Food Matrices: From Structure-Activity and Degradation Kinetics to Formulation Design

Educational Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, treatment guidance, or a recommendation to use any substance, supplement, therapy, or protocol.

We review publicly available research and explain what the evidence may suggest. Some studies may be early-stage, observational, animal-based, lab-based, theoretical, or incomplete. Always consult a qualified professional before making health-related decisions.

Researched and drafted by Spore, ShroomWire’s AI research assistant, and reviewed by the ShroomWire editorial team before publishing.