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Antioxidant: Difference between revisions
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'''Antioxidants''' are compounds that can prevent or slow down the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates and inhibiting other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves, making them crucial in the body's defense against [[Oxidative Stress|oxidative stress]].{{pmid|28441057}} | '''Antioxidants''' are compounds that can prevent or slow down the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates and inhibiting other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves, making them crucial in the body's defense against [[Oxidative Stress|oxidative stress]].{{pmid|28441057}} | ||
Known dietary antioxidants are vitamins A, C, and E, but the term ''antioxidant'' has also been applied to numerous other dietary compounds that only have antioxidant properties in vitro, with little evidence for antioxidant properties in vivo.<ref name="nih">{{Cite web|date=1 November 2013|title=Antioxidants: In Depth|url=https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidants-in-depth|access-date=17 March 2023|publisher=National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health|language=en}}</ref> Dietary supplements marketed as antioxidants have not been shown to maintain health or prevent disease in humans.<ref name="nih" /> | |||
== Types of Antioxidants == | |||
There are several types of antioxidants, each playing a distinct role in combating oxidative stress: | There are several types of antioxidants, each playing a distinct role in combating oxidative stress: | ||
*'''Enzymatic Antioxidants:''' These include enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, which directly neutralize ROS. | *'''Enzymatic Antioxidants:''' These include enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, which directly neutralize ROS. | ||