1. Which vitamins are considered to have antioxidant properties? 2. Why does oxy

Question

1.             Which vitamins are considered to have antioxidant properties?

2.             Why does oxygen pose a threat to cell structures?

3.             What is meant by the concept of free radicals?

4.             How does the body handle oxidative stress?

5.             Are there differences in dietary antioxidants vs. antioxidants found in dietary supplements?

6.             Is there clinical evidence that antioxidants improve health outcomes?

7.             Do foods differ in their antioxidant composition?

8.             Is there a recommended allowance for the daily intake of dietary antioxidants?

9.             Which food sources are considered to have the highest levels of antioxidant properties?

10.           How do antioxidants function as stable entities in the body?

Explanation / Answer

1)

Vitamins with antioxidant properties include Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. The antioxidants are generally found in highly coloured fruits and vegetables. Vitamin A is found in green vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, peaches etc. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries. Vitamin E is found in carrots, mustard greens, nuts and seeds. These all possess the antioxidant properties.

2)

The free radical form of oxygen can break the cellular molecules as it is highly reactive. The free oxygen forms oxygen free radicles or reactive oxygen species (ROS), which include superoxide radical (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), singlet oxygen (1O2), and hydroxyl radical (OH-). These ROS will destabilize or oxidizes the cellular biomolecules of the cell and which lead to deterioration. The primary site of free radical damage is mitochondrial DNA.

3)

The term free radical is defined as a molecule which possess unpaired valency electron and uncharged. The free radicals are short lived and highly reactive. For example, the free radicals of oxygen are superoxide radical (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), singlet oxygen (1O2), and hydroxyl radical (OH-). These free radicals can damage the tissues and cells are believed in the progression of cancer, atherosclerosis.

4)

The human body produces antioxidant enzymes, such as vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Creatine and selenium to handle the oxidative stress. Different types of antioxidant enzyme machineries of the body handle the Oxidative stress by nullifying the effects of ROS. For example, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are the major enzymes that breakdown the ROS.

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