Option D unit D7 Antioxidants (HL) Flashcards
What are antioxidants:
- A free radical is a particle that possesses at least one unpaired electron
- Free radicals are produced in the body as a by product of normal cellular function
Free radicals in the body examples:
* Superoxide
* Hydroxyl
* Nitric oxide
The harmful effects of free radicals at the cellular level:
- Can cause damage by removing electrons from parts of the cell in order to create paired electrons in their own structures
Free radicals can:
* Remove electrons from cell and mitochondria membranes
* Remove electrons from molecules such as enzymes and DNA, thereby impairing their function
Role of antioxidants in the body + where they come from:
Role of antioxidants in the body:
Can prevent or limit the damaging effects of free radicals by turning them into substances that are far less reactive
Where they come from:
* Vitamin A,C, E are antioxidants
* Some minerals as well
* Foods that contain antioxidants: berries red grapes, kale, broccoli and tea
Free radical production during exercise:
- Free radicals are produced as a by product of normal cell function, and cells produce natural antioxidants to counteract them
Exhaustive exercise: ex. running marathon,
* Generates high levels of free radicals that cannot be controlled - damage to cells may occur = oxidative stress
Training at sub max levels:
* Reduces the build up of free radicals
The role of antioxidants for combating the effects of free radicals
- No consistent evidence that these supplements reduce oxidative stress or have a positive impact on training or performance unless a pre-existing dietary deficiency exists
- Excess intake (RDI) may have detrimental effects on the body
- A lack of adequate regulation of the supplement industry means that some products are poorly formulated and may even contain banned substances
When antioxidants are useful: - 2
- Useful if dietary deficiency
- Natural antioxidants do remove free radicals so there is a potential link for supplementation
