Antioxidants

Note: The following abstracts are written in extremely technical language and include technical research and case studies. References are provided. For 'user-friendly' informative reading, check out the health topics presented by Dr. Martin and Dr. Davenport. Feel free to contact us for more information or if you have any questions.


Determinants of Antioxidant status in humans

Antioxidant status in humans reflects the dynamic balance between the antioxidant system and prooxidants and has been suggested as a useful tool in estimating the risk of oxidative damage. This paper reviews determinants of antioxidant status such as diet including antioxidant nutrient and nonnutrient intake, absorption and bioavailabilty, dietary components such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and transition metals, food storage and processing, chemical form, chirality and formulation of supplemental compounds and alcohol intake; environmental factors such as pollutants, ultraviolet radiation and smoking; injury and disease, medications and other medical treatments such as radiation; strenuous exercise; and physiological stage or conditions such as those in premature babies and the elderly. It is proposed that, in addition to current focus on tissues, the antioxidant status of digesta should be considered because of its effect on specific tissues and potential health implications.

Author(s): PAPAS AM
Journal: LIPIDS, 1996, V31, S (MAR), PS77-S82

Antioxidants and immune-response in aged persons

Overview of Present Evidence:
The oxidant-antioxidant balance is an important determinant of immune cell function, including maintaining the integrity and functionality of membrane lipids, cellular proteins, and nucleic acids and controlling signal transduction and gene expression in immune cells. Optimal amounts of antioxidants are needed for maintenance of the immune response across all age groups. This need might be more critical, however, in aged persons. Age-associated dysregulation of immune response, particularly of T cell-mediated function, is well documented. The well-known age-related increase in free radical formation and lipid peroxidation contributes, at least in part, to this phenomenon. We summarize animal and human studies undertaken by ourselves as well as other investigators on the effects of antioxidants, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and glutathione on the immune response of aged persons. The underlying mechanisms for the antioxidant nutrients' effects as well as their health implications for aged
persons are discussed.

Author(s): MEYDANI SN; WU DY; SANTOS MS; HAYEK MG
Journal: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION, 1995, V62, N6 (DEC), P



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