Nutrition is a powerful tool—a concept that has guided my entire career. For over 22 years, I’ve dedicated myself to academia and the pursuit of evidence-based nutritional science. My academic journey began in 2002 as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University, followed by positions as a Research Associate and Research Assistant Professor at Michigan State University. In 2008, I joined the University of Connecticut, where I’ve since progressed to my current role as a Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. My focus has always been on understanding how core nutrition impacts human health, particularly in preventing chronic diseases that affect millions. This mission has taken me through pioneering research in antioxidants, establishing connections between dietary choices and health outcomes, and advancing preventive nutrition. And today, I’m bringing that mission to IM8, where I can turn decades of research into practical solutions for everyday health.

This is the story of my journey, the discoveries that have shaped my work, and how each chapter has brought me closer to the goal of making nutrition a foundational tool for lifelong wellness.

Discovering Antioxidants and Their Role in Cellular Health

The science of antioxidants fascinated me early on. When I began my research, antioxidants were still a relatively new concept in nutrition science, with limited understanding about their impact on cellular health and disease prevention. But the more I studied them, the clearer it became that antioxidants hold a critical role in protecting our cells from oxidative stress—a type of cellular damage that accelerates aging and contributes to chronic conditions.

Over the years, I’ve developed a particular appreciation for specific antioxidants that have shown tremendous potential in supporting health. Vitamin C is a standout for its potent ability to boost immune function and protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, plays a crucial role in safeguarding cell membranes and supporting overall skin and eye health. Selenium, an essential mineral, has been central in my research as it enhances the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms and supports immune and thyroid function. Additionally, I’ve extensively studied flavonoids, which are plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and teas, known for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Anthocyanins, the pigments that give berries their vibrant red, blue, and purple colors, have also captured my interest due to their ability to reduce inflammation and combat oxidative damage.

IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials integrates these key antioxidants to help protect and rejuvenate the body at a cellular level. By including vitamins C and E, selenium, and other nutrient-rich compounds, IM8 provides a comprehensive antioxidant profile designed to combat oxidative stress and support overall wellness. These ingredients reflect my years of research into how the right nutrients can defend against aging and chronic disease.

Building the Evidence for Prevention

Once we had established the protective role of antioxidants, the next challenge was to connect this research to real-world health outcomes. My team began designing and leading human clinical trials to track the effects of various nutrients on disease markers like inflammation, oxidative stress, and even bone remodeling. We wanted to see if the benefits we observed in theory translated to measurable improvements in human health.

One pivotal study involved tracking nutrient intake in large-scale cohorts, where we analyzed dietary habits and their relationship to biomarkers of chronic disease. We found that individuals with diets rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, both of which are risk factors for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. These trials highlighted the undeniable link between foundational nutrition and disease prevention, providing evidence that dietary choices do have a profound impact on health.

As our data grew, so did my conviction: we needed to make preventive nutrition a standard part of health care. Prevention should not be an afterthought; it should be the primary strategy. This realization became a guiding principle in my work and continues to inspire my involvement with IM8, where we’re bringing these preventive principles to consumers on a practical, accessible level.

From Discovery to Public Health Advocacy

The deeper I delved into preventive health, the more it became clear that this knowledge shouldn’t be confined to academia. Science, after all, is most valuable when it reaches people’s lives and helps them make better choices. In my role as chair of the Community Public Health Nutrition Research Interest Group within the American Society for Nutrition, I focused on advocating for accessible nutrition education. I worked on initiatives to help people understand the importance of nutrient density, antioxidants, and the direct connection between diet and health.

One of the lessons I learned through public health advocacy is that foundational nutrition is often overlooked in discussions on diet and chronic disease prevention. Many people focus on restrictive dieting or popular trends, but the essentials—adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—are the real building blocks of long-term health. When we overlook these essentials, we create gaps in our nutrition that can undermine physical and mental performance and increase vulnerability to diseases.

Partnering with IM8 for a Healthier Future

My role as a member of the IM8 Scientific Advisory Board feels like a natural extension of my career. At IM8, we’re developing products that embody the principles I’ve spent years researching. IM8’s commitment to high scientific standards is evident in their use of rigorous third-party testing, clinical trials, and constant innovation. By focusing on core nutrition and leveraging antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and other bioactive compounds, we aim to give people the tools they need to protect and enhance their health.

IM8 is not about replacing whole foods or pushing unnecessary supplementation; it’s about addressing the nutritional gaps in modern diets with products backed by science. My role is to ensure that these offerings are rooted in solid evidence and truly benefit people’s health. It’s rewarding to work with a team that prioritizes quality, transparency, and continuous research.

Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of how powerful core nutrition can be. Preventive health is not about perfection; it’s about consistency, balance, and providing the body with what it needs to function at its best. With IM8, I am excited to bring this knowledge to the public in a way that empowers individuals to prioritize their health. Together, we’re making prevention accessible, science-driven, and impactful for all.

Dr. Ock Chun is a leading nutritional scientist specializing in antioxidants, disease prevention, and clinical nutrition. As part of IM8’s Scientific Advisory Board, she combines her research expertise with IM8’s mission to bring foundational nutrition to the forefront of wellness.