Antioxidant Vitamins

Abstract: Nutritional habits influence the risk of becoming affected with a degenerative disease. Fruits and vegetables are considered to be protective and excessive tat consumption, especially saturated fatty acids, are linked to the course of cancer and cardiovascular events. Some of the components that are responsible for the health benefit could be identified the last years by means of epidemiological studies. Plasma levels of the antioxidant vitamins C, E and ß-carotene are lower in patients suffering from cancer or cardiovascular disease. The finding that almost all cellular structures can be damaged by radicals, generated either by internal mechanisms or by external pollutants, led to the antioxidant hypothesis of atherosclerosis. Latest results point, however, to a direct involvement of these vitamins in cellular regulation: ß-carotene regulates the expression of connexin43, a gap junction protein, and vitamin E is linked directly to the regulation of smooth muscle proliferation.More information about the mechanistic involvement of nutrients in cell regulation will help us to understand their role in the prevention of diseases. An adequate supply with these antioxidant vitamins lowers the risk of degenerative diseases like cardiovascular events and cancer.

Keyword(s): Vitamin E

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