Nutrition D.7: Antioxidants

Question 1

7.1. Outline the role of antioxidants in the body

Answer 1

• Molecules that reduce free radical damage by making them less reactive
• Free radicals are by-product of normal cellular function

Question 2

What vitamins and minerals are antioxidants?

Answer 2

• Vitamins A, C and E

Minerals involved in antioxidant defense:

• Selenium
• Copper
• Manganese

Antioxidant-rich foods:

• Berries
• Red grapes
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Tea

Question 3

7.2. Explain the harmful effects of free radicals at the cellular level

Answer 3

Free radicals in the body include:

• Superoxide
• Hydroxyl
• Nitric oxide

They can:

• Remove electrons from cell and mitochondrial membranes
• Damage enzymes and DNA
• Alter membrane permeability
• Impair cellular function

Question 4

7.3. Describe free radical production during exercise

Answer 4

• Increased oxygen consumption = increase in free radical production
• Exhaustive exercise causes excess free radicals that cannot be controlled by natural antioxidants = oxidative stress
• Effects of free radical is less significant in trained athletes due to adaption, increasing the body’s antioxidant defense mechanism
• Training partially reduces the build up of free radicals

Question 5

7.4. Evaluate the role of antioxidants for combating the effects of free radicals

Answer 5

• Antioxidants are common in fruits, veggies, and a balanced diet
• Athletes may take supplements to fight free radical damage
• No strong evidence supplements help unless there’s a deficiency
• Excess intake can be harmful
• Poor supplement regulation risks bad formulas or banned substances