Micronutrients: oxidant/antioxidant status

Abstract

Potentially damaging species (reactive oxygen, nitrogen and chlorine species) arise as by-products of metabolism and as physiological mediators and signalling molecules. Levels of these species are controlled by the antioxidant defence system. Several components of this system are micronutrients (e.g. vitamins C and E) or are dependent upon dietary micronutrients (e.g. CuZn and Mn superoxide dismutase). The antioxidant defences act as a coordinated system where deficiencies in one component may affect the efficiency of the others. Oxidative stress may be an important factor in infection if micronutrients are deficient.

Vitamin and Micronutrient Intake and the Risk of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in US Women

“…[11][12][13][14][15][16][18][19][20] Micronutrients can improve cell-mediated immunity and reduce oxidative stress. 35 Vitamin E supplementation in healthy, well-nourished adults increased delayed hypersensitivity responses, response to hepatitis B vaccine, lymphocyte proliferation, and decreased formation of immunosuppressive prostaglandins. 17, 36 Vitamin C regenerates the antioxidant form of vitamin E and is critical for the killing of pathogens by neutrophils.…”

Antioxidant capacity, total phenolic and ascorbate content as a function of the genetic diversity of leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum)

“…In model systems, free radicals, which are capable of causing damage to DNA, proteins and lipids, have been associated with carcinogenesis, coronary heart disease, and many other health problems (Dai & Rabinovitch, 2009;Lu, Lin, Yao, & Chen, 2010;Shen, 2010). This has driven researchers to search for a link between reduced risk of degenerative diseases and dietary-related antioxidant intake via prevention of cellular oxidative damage (Evans & Halliwell, 2001;Thaipong, Boonprakob, Crosby, Cisneros-Zevallos, & Byrne, 2006). Leek (Allium ampeloprasum var.…”

Micronutrients: do small things matter?

“…These patients demonstrate elevated levels of substances such as thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS: byproducts of the interactions of lipids with ROS), DNA and proteins. 2 Oxidative damage markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) or F2-isoprostanes, reflect the balance between oxidant stress and the body's ability to cope with it, 20 and are likely to be more useful than antioxidant protection markers in predicting outcome. 21 Endogenous mechanisms work in a network-like fashion to neutralise the production of ROS in an attempt to counteract the deleterious effects thereof.…”