Antioxidants
Substances, including vitamins A, C and E and the trace elements selenium, manganese and zinc, thought to protect the cells from destructive oxidation by free radicals.
Free radicals are compounds naturally produced in the body. They contain one or more unpaired electrons, or electrical charges, and are therefore unstable. To achieve stability, free radicals borrow or steal electrons from stable compounds. This process allows formerly stable compounds to become reactive and cause the oxidation that may interfere with normal cell function and possibly mutate cells.
Peroxides are among the free radicals that are byproducts formed when fat molecules react with oxygen. Free radicals are also formed by radiation and are present in air pollution, ozone and cigarette smoke. Other examples of oxidation are the rusting of iron and the browning of apples and lettuce left exposed to the air. Oxidation also occurs when cooking fats become rancid.
In a six month study at the Washington University School of Medicine, 11 young men were given supplemental antioxidants consisting of 600 International Units of vitamin E, 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, and 30 milligrams of beta carotene daily. A nine man control group was given a placebo supplement. After running for 35 minutes on a treadmill at the beginning and of the end of the study, free radical production was measured in each group. The vitamin users produced 17 to 36 percent fewer free radicals than the control group.
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