Antioxidant Nutrients and Minerals Click the name of the nutrient/mineral (blue link) to view the molecular structure. |
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Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that plays a role in vision, bone growth, reproduction cell functions,
and the immune system. It is derived from two different sources: preformed retinoids and provitamin
carotenoids. Retinoids can be found in animal sources such aliver, kidney, eggs, and dairy produce.
Carotenoids are found in plants such as dark or yellow vegetables and carrots. Vitamin A deficiency
caused by malnutrition can lead to dry eyes, night blindless, total blindness, skin disorders, infections,
diarrhea, and respiratory disorders.
(Citation 3)
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, helps maintain healthy collagen in the skin, repair damaged
tissue, promote healthy teeth and bones, and boost the immune system.
Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, helps prevent wrinkles and illnesses caused by oxidation,
such as cataracts, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. The best food sources that provide Vitamin C
include fruits and vegetables. These include red bell peppers, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, strawberries,
tomato juice, watermelon, potatoes, bananas, and carrots.
(Citation 5)
Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant and the most active isomer of it in our bodies is alpha-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol is a safeguard to our cell membranes and also protects the fats in low-density lipoproteins, such as bad cholesterol, from oxidation. Vitamin E helps boost our immune system by increasing levels of interferon and interleukin. Sources of Vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. (Citation 5)
Glutathione is an antioxidant enzyme and is water soluble. Glutathione removes toxins from cells, protects your vision,
boosts your immune system, helps turn carbohydrates into energy, prevents the buildup of oxidized fats, and
protects the skin against radiation. The body produces glutathione
in the liver from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycene.
(Citation 10) |
Selenium |