Patients who need to undergo radiology may soon be given an antioxidant formula that could protect their DNA from being damaged.

According to new research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, patients that were given a combination of antioxidants before they had imaging with ionizing radiation. Those who were given the treatment were found to have significantly less cell damage.

The researchers pointed out that there was a 50 percent reduction in DNA injury with the help of the formula compared to people who did not receive the antioxidants before the scan.

The scientists are hopeful that this study could potentially serve as a cautionary measure for patients who are about to get a scan for a variety of issues including joint health.

"Pre-administering this formula before a medical imaging exam may be one of the most important tools to provide radioprotection and especially important for patients getting CT scans," said researcher Dr. Kieran J. Murphy. "This could play an important role in protecting adults and children who require imaging or a screening study."