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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #62521
Title: OXIDATIVE DAMAGE AND DEFENSE

Author
item Jacob, Robert
item Burri, Betty

Submitted to: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/8/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Increased production of reactive oxygen species is a feature of most, if not all, human disease, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Dietary antioxidants may be especially important in protecting against human diseases associated with free radical damage to cellular DNA, lipids, and proteins. Epidemiologic studies suggest that increased vitamin C nutriture is associated with reduced risk of some degenerative diseases, especially cancer and eye cataracts. High vitamin E intakes are associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease, possibly due to inhibition of atherogenic forms of oxidized LDL. Recent data suggests that á-carotene provides protection against lipid peroxidation in humans, as well as pro-vitamin A activity. Yet present data are not sufficient to quantitate micronutrient requirements needed to protect against oxidative damage. The antioxidant roles of many food constituents, such as polyphenols, have not been clarified. The few controlled intervention trials carried out so far have shown mixed results as to the potential of antioxidant supplements for reducing the incidence of chronic diseases. Definitive recommendations on antioxidant intakes for disease prevention must await evidence from appropriate intervention trials, some currently in progress. Overall, the present data suggest that protection against oxidative damage and related disease is best served by the variety of antioxidant substances found in fruits and vegetables.

Technical Abstract: Increased production of reactive oxygen species is a feature of most, if not all, human disease, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Dietary antioxidants may be especially important in protecting against human diseases associated with free radical damage to cellular DNA, lipids, and proteins. Epidemiologic studies suggest that increased vitamin C nutriture is associated with reduced risk of some degenerative diseases, especially cancer and eye cataracts. High vitamin E intakes are associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease, possibly due to inhibition of atherogenic forms of oxidized LDL. Recent data suggests that beta carotene provides protection against lipid peroxidation in humans, as well as pro-vitamin A activity. Yet present data are not sufficient to quantitate micronutrient requirements needed to protect against oxidative damage. The antioxidant roles of many food constituents, such as polyphenols, have not been clarified. The few controlled intervention trials carried out so far have shown mixed results as to the potential of antioxidant supplements for reducing the incidence of chronic diseases. Definitive recommendations on antioxidant intakes for disease prevention must await evidence from appropriate intervention trials, some currently in progress. Overall, the present data suggest that protection against oxidative damage and related disease is best served by the variety of antioxidant substances found in fruits and vegetables.