Antioxidant

An antioxidant is any substance capable of preventing the loss of electrons (oxidation) from a molecule in the body. | last4This rather broad definition can encompass many different chemical compounds, and these compounds can prevent the loss of electrons in many different ways. | last4The opposite of an antioxidant is an oxidant, which strips electrons from molecules in the body. | last4A compound that is an antioxidant in one chemical environment may become an oxidant in another chemical environment.

The oxidation (stripping of electrons) of a molecule in the body can be a deleterious action. | last4Excessive oxidation is called oxidative stress and can lead to cell death. | Oxidative stress often results from inflammatory processes, excessive metabolic activity, or from mitochondrial dysfunction. | last4The main oxidants in these processes are reactive oxygen species (ROS), which include some free radicals. | last4Antioxidants, therefore, can theoretically protect cells from the damage caused by oxidative stress.