Why Do Liquid Vitamins Contain Antioxidants?
Copyright 2005 Kristy Haugen
Vitamins offer many health benefits. Many only think they need
to take a good vitamin supplement because their mother said so.
However, vitamin supplements offer antioxidants such as vitamin
E, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These antioxidants combat reactive
oxygen intermediates (free radicals). In order for us to
understand why it is important to take a vitamin supplement rich
in antioxidants, we need to understand free radicals.
Most recall the widely recognized chlorofluorocarbons which were
free radicals produced by solar radiation that caused depletion
of the ozone layer. This is probably the most familiar free
radical that jogs the memory. However, free radicals have been
linked to several diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and
rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. But what are free radicals?
Free radicals are simply atoms or groups of atoms with unpaired
electrons in the outer (valence) shell. Why is this so deadly?
Most atoms want to attain a stable outer shell. In order to be
stable, free radicals must obtain an electron so that the
electrons are paired. Because the outer shell contains unpaired
electrons, free radicals are extremely reactive.
In our bodies, free radicals will oxidize the nearest molecule
taking the needed electron. The oxidized molecule will then
become a free radical, beginning a chain reaction. This chain
reaction will continue until resulting in the disruption of a
living cell. Free radicals can attack lipids (fats), proteins,
carbohydrates, and DNA. However, DNA is a prime target. DNA and
free radical interactions usually result in mutations that
adversely affect the cell cycle and potentially lead to
malignancy. In fact, researchers believe this is how many forms
of cancer arise. Why should you take an antioxidant?
Antioxidants are substances that protect the body from damaging
oxidation reactions. The antioxidants can safely interact with
free radicals and prevent the damage of vital molecules.
Antioxidants are able to neutralize the free radical chain
reaction by reacting with the free radical. In order to stop the
chain reaction, the antioxidant donates the needed electron. The
antioxidants also do not become a free radical by donating the
electron, safely ending the chain reaction. The antioxidants are
able to do this because they are stable in either form.
Free radicals can be very harmful for the body. Most focus on
the harmful affects of free radicals and sources of damaging
free radicals; pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and
herbicides. However, some free radicals can be useful to our
bodies and environment. Free radicals are required in
polymerization reactions to create useful plastics. The body
uses free radicals in the immune system (neutrophils). The body
also uses free radicals for cell signaling processes.
Regardless of good free radicals, protection against harmful
free radicals is extremely important to good health. The most
important antioxidants are vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C
(ascorbic acid), and vitamin E (alpha tocopherol). The body does
not produce these essential vitamins, so they must be provided
in the diet.
The invisible war against harmful free radical damage affects
the world. The antioxidant remedy can easily be supplemented
with a vitamin supplement fortified with antioxidants. Cancer
may not be curable but it can be prevented if antioxidants are
allowed to intervene.