Toxins, Enzymes and Antioxidants

Question 1

Bisphenols: E.g., bisphenol A (BPA)

Answer 1

Sources: Tinned and plastic packaging.
Associated with: Type 2 diabetes, infertility, oestrogen disruption.

Question 2

Pesticides and herbicides: E.g., glyphosate + OCPs

Answer 2

Sources: Chemically-grown food, water (contamination).
Associated with: Alzheimer’s, infertility, erectile dysfunction, RA, SLE, cancer.

Question 3

Phthalates

Answer 3

Sources: Plastic products, beauty products
Associated with: Infertility, Type 2 diabetes, allergies.

Question 4

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs):

Answer 4

Sources: Flame retardants, farmed fish.
Associated with: Insulin resistance, child behavioural problems.

Question 5

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs):

Answer 5

Sources: Air pollution / vehicle exhaust (diesel = worst)
Associated with: Type 2 diabetes, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, atopic conditions, COPD.

Question 6

Solvents:E.g., benzene, toluene, styrene.

Answer 6

Sources: Vehicle exhausts, smoking, foods.
Associated with: Alzheimer’s, infertility, MS, RA, ↑ autism risk.

Question 7

Alumumium

Answer 7

Sources: Foil (and food), anti-perspirants, vaccines.
Associated with: Mitochondrial damage, Alzheimer’s.

Question 8

Mercury

Answer 8

Sources: Amalgams, fish (esp. larger fish), water, vaccines, air pollution.
Associated with: Chronic fatigue, neurological damage, Hashimoto’s, ADHD, infertility, SLE

Question 9

Arsenic

Answer 9

Sources: Water, rice, chicken, fish, smoking.
Associated with: Type 2 diabetes, cancer, gout, peripheral neuropathy. AS3MT SNPs ―associated with ↑ toxic reactions (i.e., in those with ↓ arsenic exposure).

Question 10

Superoxide dismutase (SOD)

Answer 10

Description: A group of enzymes that convert superoxide to hydrogen peroxide.
* Hydrogen peroxide (also a ROS) must then be detoxified by catalase or glutathione peroxidase.
Nutrients needed: Zinc, copper, manganese

Question 11

Catalase

Answer 11

Converts hydrogen peroxide to H2Oand O2.

Needed: Iron.

Question 12

Glutathione Peroxidase

Answer 12

Description: Converts hydrogen peroxide to H2Oand O2. Note: Mercury can suppress selenium activity in the body.
Needed: Selenium

Question 13

Glutatione reductase

Answer 13

Description: Regenerates glutathione that has been oxidised.
Needed: Vitamin B3.

Question 14

Vitamin E

Answer 14

Sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, olive oil, avocado, sweet potato, spinach.

Question 15

Vitamin C

Answer 15

Peppers, kiwi fruit, papaya, currants, berries, citrus, crucifers, mangoes, tomatoes.

Question 16

Flavonoids

Answer 16

E.g., quercetin (red onions, apples), anthocyanins (red grapes), catechins (green tea), kaempferol (kale,spinach)

Question 17

Carotenoids

Answer 17

Yellow, orange,and red fruits and vegetables. Green vegetables.

Question 18

Metallothionein (MT):

Answer 18

• MTs are cysteine-rich proteins that bind essential and toxic heavy metals (e.g., cadmium).
• They are important for zinc and copper homeostasis, and also to reduce oxidative stress.
• Require adequate levels of cysteine(e.g., in legumes, sunflower seeds, eggs, chicken)zinc, copper, and selenium.