Antioxidant Nutrients

• Anti – against• Oxidant – compounds such as oxygen that

combines with another substances.• Oxidation – a natural process that occurs within

our body’s cells, and can produce reactive substances called free radicals.

Ex. RustJust as rust attacks and breaks down the

metal, free radicals break down body cells and tissue, attack DNA, fats and proteins.

• Free radicals - are molecules with 1 or more unpaired electrons

- damage the polyunsaturated fatty acids, disrupts the transport of substances in and out of the cell membranes, alters DNA, RNA and Proteins, creating excess and deficiencies of specific proteins, and impairing cell functions.

We cannot avoid free radicals.

Pollution, sun exposure and other environmental factors, alcohol, nicotine, x-rays and certain foods.

We can, however, combat the harmful effects of oxidants with antioxidants.

What is anti-oxidant?

• In general, antioxidants neutralize free radicals that are generated in the body and prevent damage to cell proteins, lipids and carbohydrates.

• stable

• fat-soluble

• water-soluble

• Antioxidants are nutrients that can slow oxidative damage to our body's tissues. Antioxidants can help prevent cancer and a range of other health problems.

Where can we get Antioxidant nutrients?

Examples of antioxidants include:

• Lutein

• Lycopene

• Selenium

• Flavonoids and polyphenols

• Vitamin A and Carotenoids

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin E

Effects of Antioxidants

• Stimulate the immune response

• Help maintain the integrity of cell membrane and matrixes

• Aid in the maintenance of normal DNA repair

Characteristics:

Recycling – Vit E is recycled back to its original form with the aid of Vit C

- Vit C is recycled by interacting with Glutathione

Minimizing Oxidative Stress

Oxidative Stress – a condition in which theproduction of oxidants and free radicalsexceeds the body’s ability to handle them andprevent damage.

• Eating fruits and vegetables

• Avoid cigarette smoking

• Avoid drinking alcohol

• High doses of beta-carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

• High doses of vitamin E may increase risks of prostate cancer.

• Antioxidant supplements may also interact with some medicines.

• Pro-oxidants – stimulates the production of free radicals

Disadvantages