Japanese researchers discover new antioxidants in meat

A research team led by Professor Hideshi Ihara of the Osaka Capital University Graduate School of Science was the first to discover 2-oxo-IDP. Researchers later discovered that they have surprisingly high antioxidant activity.

In their study, the scientists developed a method for the selective and highly sensitive detection of five types of 2-oxo-IDP using mass spectrometry, which allows quantitative detection of trace amounts of 2-oxo-IDP in living organisms. Using this method, they discovered for the first time that beef, pork, chicken, and other meats contain antioxidants, not just IDPs, but many different 2-oxo-IDPs. Their findings were published in the journal Antioxidants.

“We hope that this research method, which allows advanced analysis of 2-oxo-IDP, will be applied not only in basic biology, but also in medicine, agriculture and pharmaceuticals, where it will help improve human HEALTH and prevent disease,” — said Professor Ihara.