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Determinants of antioxidant status in humans

  • Antioxidant Status and Peroxidation
  • Published:
Lipids

Abstract

Antioxidant status in humans reflects the dynamic balance between the antioxidant system and prooxidants and has been suggested as a useful tool in estimating the risk of oxidative damage. This paper reviews determinants of antioxidant status such as diet including antioxidant nutrient and nonnutrient intake, absorption and bioavailabilty, dietary components such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and transition metals, food storage and processing, chemical form, chirality and formulation of supplemental compounds and alcohol intake; environmental factors such as pollutants, ultraviolet radiation and smoking; injury and disease, medications and other medical treatments such as radiation; strenuous exercise; and physiological stage or conditions such as those in premature babies and the elderly. It is proposed that, in addition to current focus on tissues, the antioxidant status of digesta should be considered because of its effect on specific tissues and potential health implications.

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Abbreviations

HDL:

high density lipoproteins

H2O2 :

hydrogen peroxide

HOCl:

hypochlorous acid

LDL:

low density lipoproteins

NO⊙, NO⊙ 2 :

oxides of nitrogen

O2 − :

superoxide

1O2 :

singlet oxygen

OH:

hydroxyl

PUFA:

polyunsaturated fatty acids

RDA:

recommended dietary allowance

O⊙ :

alcoxyl

RO⊙ 2 :

peroxyl

ROS:

reactive oxygen-containing species

RS⊙ :

thiyl

TBARS:

thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances

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  1. Eastman Chemical Company, P.O. Box 1974, 37662-5230, Kingsport, TN

    Andreas M. Papas

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Papas, A.M. Determinants of antioxidant status in humans. Lipids 31, S77–S82 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02637055

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