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9: Antioxidant Micronutrients

  • Page ID
    40979
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    This chapter will describe what antioxidants are and then discuss the three major antioxidant micronutrients: vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium.

    • 9.1: Antioxidants
      This page discusses the importance of antioxidant vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium, along with the role of cofactors in antioxidant enzymes. It explains concepts like free radicals and oxidative stress while highlighting the necessity for adequate levels of these antioxidants.
    • 9.2: Vitamin E
      This page discusses Vitamin E's eight forms, focusing on alpha-tocopherol as the main antioxidant in the body. Dietary sources include various oils and nuts, with Americans consuming more gamma-tocopherol due to soybean oil, while Europeans favor alpha-tocopherol-rich oils. Serum levels of both forms are similar across populations, and deficiencies are rare but can occur with malabsorption.
    • 9.3: Vitamin C
      This page covers the essential role of Vitamin C, an antioxidant necessary for humans and critical for collagen formation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hormone production. It discusses the effects of deficiency, leading to scurvy, and notes symptoms like bleeding gums. Additionally, it touches on Vitamin C's absorption at varying doses, its tissue accumulation, potential toxicity, and the controversial promotion of high doses for cold prevention.
    • 9.4: Selenium
      This page explains that selenium has organic and inorganic forms, with selenomethionine being the primary organic form, while selenite and selenate are common inorganic types. It highlights selenium's antioxidant role through selenoenzymes and notes its high absorption rate and potential toxicity. Selenium deficiency is linked to diseases like Keshan disease, particularly in certain regions of China, and may influence virus mutations, increasing disease severity.


    This page titled 9: Antioxidant Micronutrients is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Brian Lindshield via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.