Introduction Ionizing radiation is an important tool in modern medicine, particularly in X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, and interventional procedures. Although medical radiation is used when a clinical benefit is expected, exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may contribute to oxidative stress and damage to DNA and cellular components. Consequently, antioxidant-rich foods and bioactive plant compounds have attracted research interest as potential agents that may support the body’s antioxidant defenses. This article reviews the evidence regarding the potential role of selected foods and nutritional compounds in reducing biological responses associated with radiation exposure in patients and healthcare workers. Experimental evidence suggests potential roles for vitamins C and E, carotenoids, polyphenols, sulforaphane, curcumin, and pomegranate compounds; however, direct clinical evidence remains limited. Therefore, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables may support overall health but should not be considered a substitute for radiation-protection measures. There is also insufficient evidence that any specific food can remove radiation from the body or reverse radiation-induced damage. Ionizing radiation is widely used in medical diagnosis and treatment, and its biological effects vary according to the type of radiation, dose, dose rate, and tissue sensitivity. Radiation can damage cells directly by affecting DNA or indirectly through water radiolysis and the generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species [1]. Oxidative stress is considered one of the important mechanisms that may contribute to cellular injury associated with radiation exposure. This has led to increasing interest in studying dietary antioxidants and plant-derived compounds, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, polyphenols, sulforaphane, and curcumin, as substances that may support cellular defense systems. However, most of the initial evidence has been derived from laboratory and animal studies, while clinical studies in humans remain limited [1,2]. Biological Effects of Radiation and the Role of Antioxidants When tissues are exposed to ionizing radiation, reactive oxygen species can be generated and interact with DNA, proteins, and membrane lipids. The human body naturally possesses antioxidant defense systems that include enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione [1]. Studies have shown that some plant-derived compounds can influence cellular pathways involved in resistance to oxidative stress, particularly the Nrf2/ARE pathway. Activation of this pathway increases the expression of several proteins and enzymes involved in protecting cells against oxidative stress [2]. Foods containing compounds with antioxidant activity include citrus fruits, berries, pomegranates, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Foods and Nutritional Compounds of Potential Interest Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, strawberries, guava, and bell peppers, is one of the major water-soluble dietary antioxidants, while vitamin E, found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, provides important protection for cellular membranes. Plant-based foods also contain polyphenolic compounds and carotenoids that may contribute to the regulation of oxidative stress [1]. Pomegranate contains several polyphenolic compounds, and experimental and preliminary clinical studies have investigated its potential to reduce certain forms of radiation-associated injury. However, much of this evidence does not concern the radiation doses typically associated with diagnostic imaging; therefore, these findings should not be generalized to all patients [3]. Curcumin, one of the major components of turmeric, has also attracted research interest because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some clinical studies have reported improvements in certain manifestations of radiation-induced dermatitis, whereas other studies have not demonstrated a clear effect. This indicates the need for further clinical trials before curcumin can be considered a preventive intervention [4]. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, contain glucosinolates and their derivatives, including sulforaphane, which may influence cellular defense pathways such as Nrf2. However, direct human evidence demonstrating protection against radiation remains insufficient to support specific therapeutic recommendations [2]. Evidence in Patients and Healthcare Workers One small human study of interest investigated the effects of a combination of antioxidants administered before diagnostic radiation exposure and included only ten participants. The results demonstrated a reduction in a cellular biomarker of DNA damage in the group receiving antioxidants [5]. However, the small sample size, the use of supplements at specific doses, and the absence of long-term clinical outcomes prevent this study from providing sufficient evidence to recommend antioxidant supplementation for all patients. Healthcare workers may experience low-dose, repeated exposure over many years, particularly in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine. Although some studies have reported changes in certain markers of oxidative stress among radiation-exposed workers, the primary means of protection remains adherence to radiation-safety principles, including minimizing exposure time, maximizing distance, using appropriate shielding, and maintaining dosimetric monitoring. Discussion and Conclusion Current evidence suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that help maintain the body's antioxidant defense system. Some of these compounds may potentially reduce oxidative stress and cellular responses associated with radiation exposure. However, it is important to emphasize that food cannot remove radiation from the body after exposure to X-rays or CT scans, and there is currently insufficient clinical evidence demonstrating that consuming a specific food after an imaging examination can prevent cancer or reverse radiation-induced DNA damage. Therefore, the recommendation most consistent with current evidence is to follow a balanced and varied diet while avoiding indiscriminate use of high-dose antioxidant supplements. For healthcare workers, occupational protection, dosimetric monitoring, and optimization of work practices should remain the foundation for minimizing radiation exposure. Healthy nutrition may support overall health and the body's natural ability to manage oxidative stress, but it is not a substitute for radiation protection. Conclusion: There is promising biological evidence that certain antioxidant-rich foods and nutritional compounds may influence cellular responses associated with radiation exposure. However, current clinical evidence does not support considering any specific food as a treatment or established method for preventing the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Larger and better-designed human studies are needed to determine the appropriate doses, timing, and populations that may benefit from nutritional interventions. References Weiss JF, Landauer MR. Protection against ionizing radiation by antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals. Toxicology. 2003;189(1-2):1-20. doi:10.1016/S0300-483X(03)00149-5. Clifford T, Acton JP, Cocksedge SJ, Bowden Davies KA, Bailey SJ. The effect of dietary phytochemicals on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation: a systematic review of human intervention trials. 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