Detoxification - antioxidants

Question 1

What is the definition of antioxidants and their main role?

Answer 1

Antioxidants:
Antioxidants play a central role in detoxification by converting free radicals/reactive oxygen species (ROS) into stable, non-toxic molecules. They can be divided into three main groups:
1. Antioxidant enzymes (endogenous)
2. Chain-breaking antioxidants (from the diet)
3. Transition metal-binding proteins (cysteine-rich).

Question 2

What are chain-breaking antioxidants?

Answer 2

Chain-Breaking Antioxidants:
The chain of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be broken when a molecule can accept or donate an electron without needing to rectify its gain or loss.

Question 3

What is the function of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)?

Answer 3

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD):
Converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide, which must be detoxified by catalase or glutathione peroxidase.

Question 4

What nutrients/foods are needed for Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) function?

Answer 4

Nutrients/Foods for SOD:
Zinc, copper, manganese.

Question 5

What is the function of Catalase?

Answer 5

Catalase:
Converts hydrogen peroxide to water (H2O) and oxygen (O2).

Question 6

What nutrients/foods are needed for Catalase function?

Answer 6

Nutrients/Foods for Catalase:
Iron.

Question 7

What is the function of Glutathione Peroxidase?

Answer 7

Glutathione Peroxidase:
Detoxifies hydrogen peroxide; suppressed by mercury affecting selenium activity.

Question 8

What nutrients/foods are needed for Glutathione Peroxidase function?

Answer 8

Nutrients/Foods for Glutathione Peroxidase:
Selenium.

Question 9

What is the function of Glutathione Reductase?

Answer 9

Glutathione Reductase:
Regenerates oxidized glutathione.

Question 10

What nutrients/foods are needed for Glutathione Reductase function?

Answer 10

Nutrients/Foods for Glutathione Reductase:
Vitamin B3.

Question 11

What is the role of Vitamin E as a chain-breaking antioxidant?

Answer 11

Vitamin E:
Protects cell membranes and prevents oxidative damage.

Question 12

What foods are rich in Vitamin E?

Answer 12

Foods Rich in Vitamin E:
Sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, olive oil, avocado, sweet potato, spinach.

Question 13

What is the role of Vitamin C as a chain-breaking antioxidant?

Answer 13

Vitamin C:
Essential for immune function and skin health.

Question 14

What foods are rich in Vitamin C?

Answer 14

Foods Rich in Vitamin C:
Peppers, kiwi fruit, papaya, currants, berries, citrus, crucifers, mangoes, tomatoes.

Question 15

What are flavonoids and their role?

Answer 15

Flavonoids:
Protect against cellular damage.

Question 16

What foods are rich in flavonoids?

Answer 16

Foods Rich in Flavonoids:
Quercetin (red onions, apples), anthocyanins (red grapes), catechins (green tea), kaempferol (kale, spinach).

Question 17

What are carotenoids and their benefits?

Answer 17

Carotenoids:
Contribute to eye health and immune function.

Question 18

What foods are rich in carotenoids?

Answer 18

Foods Rich in Carotenoids:
Yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables, green vegetables.

Question 19

What is the role of Metallothionein (MT) as a transition metal-binding protein?

Answer 19

Metallothionein (MT):
Cysteine-rich proteins that bind essential and toxic heavy metals; crucial for zinc and copper homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress.

Question 20

What nutrients/foods are needed for Metallothionein (MT) function?

Answer 20

Nutrients/Foods for Metallothionein:
Cysteine (found in legumes, sunflower seeds, eggs, chicken), zinc, copper, selenium.