Antioxidants

Antioxidants are chemicals that mitigate oxidation reactions, specifically by inhibiting the transfer of electrons to oxidizing agents. Within the domains of organic chemistry and biology, the intricate antioxidant systems within living cells are paramount to preventing chemical damage due to oxidation. With an impressive volume of over 142,000 scholarly articles, the significance of antioxidants in the medical literature is evident [1].

Bisphenol A & Bisphenol B

Antioxidants, particularly polyphenol antioxidants from plants, are vital for the health of most mammals. Such plants serve as a pivotal source of organic antioxidant chemicals. While dietary supplements containing antioxidants have gained popularity for potential health benefits like cancer and heart disease prevention, scientific studies have produced mixed results. Relying solely on a specific antioxidant supplement might not be a universal remedy; a diverse diet enriched with phytonutrients provides an extensive range of polyphenol antioxidants.

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Antioxidant berries bilberry

History

The nomenclature "antioxidant" and "antioxygen" was initially coined to describe a chemical that thwarted the consumption of molecular oxygen. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, antioxidants were the focal point of research in various industrial operations, from metal corrosion to the internal combustion of fuels (Mattill 1947).

It wasn't until the discovery of vitamins A, C, and E as antioxidants that a revolutionary shift occurred in the field, emphasizing the role of antioxidants in biology. Moreau and Dufraisse's work in 1926 spearheaded research into the action mechanisms of antioxidants, shedding light on the concept that substances with anti-oxidative activity are potential targets for oxidation. Studies on Vitamin E's preventative effect on lipid peroxidation expanded our comprehension of antioxidants as reducing agents, often intercepting reactive oxygen species before cellular damage occurs (Wolf 2005).

Antioxidants in Biology

Vegetarian diet

All living organisms possess intricate systems of antioxidant enzymes and chemicals. The thioredoxin system, for instance, is essential for life and has remained consistent throughout evolution. Antioxidants serve multiple roles in biological systems, from guarding against oxidative damage to influencing key cellular signaling pathways.

Antioxidants primarily protect cells from damage inflicted by reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the superoxide anion (O2−), and the hydroxyl radical (·OH). The classification of antioxidants can be based on their oxidation products, their fate post-oxidation, and their efficacy against particular free radicals.

The eukaryotic cell's mitochondria hold particular importance for antioxidants. The electron transport chain's reduction of coenzyme Q in complex III results in the superoxide anion, leading to potential cellular damage (Finkel and Holbrook 2000). Cells have evolved systems like the thioredoxin system, glutathione system, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, and Peroxiredoxins to regulate their redox state and shield against damage by reactive oxygen species.

Applications in Nutrition and Medicine

How Antioxidants Preserve Health Antioxidants play a protective role by reducing oxidative damage. A high correlation has been observed between oxidative damage and disease onset. For example, oxidation of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) has ties to cardiovascular disease. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods appears to decrease free radical damage, potentially reversing diseases stemming from cellular damage, and possibly decelerating the natural aging process.

Antioxidants, in their various forms, offer myriad health benefits, including eye health promotion, immune system enhancement, neurodegeneration prevention, DNA damage prevention, and cardiovascular health promotion. However, it's worth noting that not all antioxidants perform these functions, and the underlying mechanisms for many of these benefits are still being unraveled.

See Also

• Oxidative Stress
• Free Radicals
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

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