week 9 antioxidants Flashcards
What is the process of atoms gaining electrons called?
Reduction.
What is the process of atoms losing electrons called?
Oxidation.
What is a free radical?
An atom or molecule with an unpaired electron in its outer orbital.
What is oxidative stress?
When the production of free radicals exceeds the body’s ability to defend against them.
What do antioxidants do?
Mitigate the effect of free radicals by donating one of their own electrons.
What are vitamins classified as?
Micronutrients.
What are fat-soluble vitamins?
Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
What are water-soluble vitamins?
Vitamin C and the B vitamins (e.g., B1-Thiamine, B2-Riboflavin).
What are the three active forms of Vitamin A?
Retinol, Retinal, and Retinoic acid.
What is the primary precursor for Vitamin A and an antioxidant
Beta-carotene.
What are the two main jobs of carotenoids?
- Vitamin A precursor * Antioxidant
What is Retinol-binding protein (RBP)?
Transports vitamin A from the liver through the blood to the rest of the body’s cells.
What is the RDA for Vitamin A in men?
900 ugRAE/day.
What is the UL for Vitamin A?
3000 ug/day.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency?
- Poor immunity * Night blindness * Xerophthalmia * Keratinization
What is hypervitaminosis A?
Vitamin A toxicity due to excessive intake.
What are common food sources of Vitamin E?
- Vegetable oils * Margarine * Leafy greens * Nuts * Seeds
What is the RDA for Vitamin E?
15 mg/day.
What are the early signs of Vitamin C deficiency?
- Scorbutic gums * Pinpoint hemorrhages
What is the RDA for Vitamin C in men?
90 mg/day.
What can excessive Vitamin C intake cause?
GI distress and diarrhea.
What is the role of selenium in the body?
Antioxidant that works with vitamin E.
What is the RDA for selenium?
55 ug/day.
What disease is associated with selenium deficiency?
Keshan Disease.
What are free radicals?
Unstable and reactive atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons.
How do antioxidants function in the body?
By neutralizing free radicals through electron donation.
What can lead to free radical formation beyond normal body processes?
- Ultraviolet radiation * Air pollution * Tobacco smoke
