Purchase Solution

An antioxidant's function

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Within an response, discuss the following concepts: an antioxidant's function; free radicals and their effect on the human body; sources of vitamin C; optimal delivery system for vitamin C; and precautions for use of vitamin C

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution discusses the following concepts: an antioxidant's function; free radicals and their effect on the human body; sources of vitamin C; optimal delivery system for vitamin C; and precautions for use of vitamin C.

Solution Preview

Let's look at each section, which you can then draw on for your essay assignment.

RESPONSE:

1)

An antioxidant is a substance that when present in low concentrations relative to the oxidizable substrate significantly delays or reduces oxidation of the substrate (Halliwell, 1995, cited in ) http://www.doctorslounge.com/primary/articles/antioxidants/antioxidants1.htm. They destroy free radicals that wreak havoc on our body by combating oxidation.
Specifically, antioxidants are substances that function to protect other chemicals of the body from damaging oxidation reactions by reacting with free radicals and other reactive oxygen species within the body, which hinders the process of oxidation. When this reaction occurs, the antioxidant sacrifices itself by becoming oxidized, but there is only a limited supply as one antioxidant molecule can only react with a single free radical. This means that there is a continual need to replenish antioxidant resources, whether through food or through supplementation.

There are two types of antioxidants, enzymatic and nonenzymatic. The nonenzymatic antioxidants include the lipid-soluble vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin A or provitamin A (beta-carotene), and the water-soluble vitamin C and GSH. Vitamin E has been described as the major chain-breaking antioxidant in humans (Packer, 1992). Because of its lipid solubility, vitamin E is located within cell membranes, where it interrupts lipid peroxidation and may play a role in modulating intracellular signalling pathways that rely on ROI (Kagan ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Bacterial Genetics

This quiz test your knowledge of the genetics of bacteria.

Parts of the Brain

This quiz will test your knowledge on different areas of the brain.

Creating a Birth Plan

Preparing for a birth and want to make sure that you're including all the right information? Use this quiz to get on the right track and check your birth plan knowledge!

How Well Do You Know Your Body?

This quiz will assess the different systems of the human body. It will examine everything from the organs to the cellular processes that occur.

The Plant Body

This quiz will test your knowledge of the anatomy of a common plant.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • an example of an exponential function

    Yes, it is a function It is an example of an exponential function An exponential function will have a base and an exponent (the variable will be in the exponent and the base will be a number) An example of an exponential function is briefly

  • Algebra: Exponential Functions

    Differences between the graph of an exponential growth function and an exponential decay function. Examples

  • Important characteristics of an exponential function

    497561 Important characteristics of an exponential function Identify the important characteristics of an exponential function.

  • The inverse of a function

    Therefore, the function f has an inverse if and only if k=0. The solution of an inverse function is given, as well as a criterion for a function to have an inverse. The following problems are solved with detailed explanations.

  • audit function

    330679 Audit function Assume that you have recently been appointed CFO of a mid sized company which did not have an internal audit function - how would you justify the incremental expenses of establishing an internal audit function in your company?

  • Characteristics of an exponential function

    Explain the difference between the graph of an exponential growth function and an exponential decay function and give an example of each type of function.

  • Comparing Linear Functions and Equations and Domain & Range

    For example, x = 10 is an equation but not a function For a function, if you use a vertical line test, the line will cross the graph of a function in exactly one point...For an equation, the line will cross the graph of an equation in one or more points

  • Mathematical Reasoning: The Sum of the Divisors Function

    (a) Draw an arrow diagram that represents a function that is an injection but is not a surjection. (b) Draw an arrow diagram that represents a function that is an injection and is a surjection.

  • Constant function proof

    212752 Constant Function Proof Prove that an entire function that omits the value 0 and 1 is a constant. See the attached file.

View More Related Solutions