Nutrient Antioxidants

A. KRASTANOV

Higher Institute of Food Industry, Deptartment Biotechnology, BG-4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Abstract

KRASTANOV, A., 2000. Nutrient antioxidants. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 6: 45-52

Antioxidant enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and herbs may be the best way to provide the body with the most complete protection against free radical damage. The nutrient antioxidants: vitamins C and E, selenium, a-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, carotenoids and flavonoids are described in respect of their biological activity and importance, health effects in cancer, hearth disease and other health conditions. Some important questions about side effects of antioxidants, how much to take, or which supplements are right for human are also discussed.

Key words: vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, coenzyme Q10, a-lipoic acid, b-carotene, bioflavonoids