Antioxidants
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are vitamins and phytonutrients that protect our cells from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that assist in developing many cancers and diseases. Antioxidants, however, can stabilize these free radicals. Some antioxidants can be produced by the body, but the rest can be found in fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and vegetables, as well as some fish, meat and poultry.
Please note; an antioxidant is not an actual substance, but rather an action – free radicals are unstable because they have an odd number of electrons. Specific vitamins and phytonutrients, on the other hand, can stabilize free radicals by donating (or taking in some cases) an electron, and can do this without becoming unstable themselves. So all in all, vitamins and phytonutrients aren’t really antioxidants, but rather they contain antioxidant capabilities.
Examples of vitamins and phytonutrients with antioxidant capabilities:
- Anthocyanins
- Beta-carotene
- Catechias
- Coenzyme Q10
- Flavonoids
- Lipoic acid
- Lutein
- Lycopene
- Manganese
- Phenols
- Phytoestrogens
- Polyphenols
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
References:
- Boyle, Marie A., and Sara Long. Personal Nutrition, Seventh Edition California, Wadsworth College Learning, 2010.
- “Antioxidants: Beyond the Hype.” Harvard School of Public Health. 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2011 <http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/antioxidants>
Disclaimer
Reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document, and the information provided herein is believed to be accurate. However, this information is not intended to constitute an “authoritative statement” under Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.
General Safety Advisory
The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. It is also important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications.