Antioxidants

Frontline defence against cellular aging

All about antioxidant vitamins:

Vitamin A or Retinol

Vitamin A is one of the major antioxidants. It is found only in foods of animal origin, especially in the liver. However, certain plants contain provitamin A (carotenes), i.e. substances that the body is able to transform into vitamin A. It is essential to the vision and growth of the bronchial tubes, intestines or the skin.

Vitamin A is also involved in bone growth, in the synthesis of certain hormones such as progesterone, and in the functioning of immune systems.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin A varies according to age. Its deficiency leads to vision problems and eye damage that can lead to blindness. This disease, exophthalmia, affects to varying degrees many children in developing countries. Much research, often contradictory, is underway on the role of vitamin A in the prevention of cancer, including bronco-pulmonary cancer.

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidents. It is needed for the synthesis of blood vessels and muscles. It promotes the absorption of iron in food. It operates in several hormonal mechanisms. It also plays a role in eliminating toxic substances. Finally, it has anti-oxidant, that is to say it would limit the adverse effects of free radicals.

A deficiency in vitamin C can reduce resistance to infection. A serious deficiency can cause scurvy, extreme fatigue, pain, and deterioration of the gums. The disease was formerly seen on the boats: the crews lacked fruits and vegetables for months and not getting enough vitamin C.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has a protective effect particularly vis-à-vis the cells of the body. It plays an important role in the mechanisms of reproduction and is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells.

Vitamin E deficiency is very rare and is usually the result of absorption problems.

All about antioxidant minerals:

Selenium is a trace element involved in the metabolism of free radicals and other substances produced by oxidation of lipids in cell membranes. It also plays a role in metabolism in the liver and contributes to the maintenance of skeletal muscle and heart and sperm.

The supply of selenium depends on the content of the soil and varies widely between geographical areas. In parts of Asia where the soil selenium is low, there are deficiencies which can give serious heart problems (Keshan disease ), bone (disease Kashin-Beck), or neuro-muscular.

This trace element has an effect on free radicals, which age our cells and prevent them from defending the body against viruses and other invaders.

Selium boosts the immune system and fights against cellular aging. Epidemiological studies are underway to better understand the role of selenium.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace element that occurs in many enzymatic reactions and plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.

Zinc deficiency may cause growth retardation, abnormalities of sexual maturation, taste disorders, immune problems, skin problems and prevent healing. As it is an antioxidant it plays a role in preventing the toxic effects of free radicals. In moderate inflammatory acne, zinc has demonstrated efficacy equivalent to tetracycline, an antibiotic used in the treatment of acne.

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