NUTR 207 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Beta-Carotene, Unpaired Electron, Prostate Cancer
26 Feb 2019
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Document Summary
Free radicals: a very reactive atom with unpaired electrons in its outer shell. They cause damage by attacking lipids in the cell membranes and lipoproteins, dna, rna, body proteins causing damage and greater risk for disease. Vitamin antioxidants come in donate one electron to pair with the unpaired electron of the radical, neutralizing its damaging effects. Mineral antioxidants activate enzymes that reduce the production of free radicals. Precursor: a compound that can be converted into an active vitamin. Beta-carotene; biggest vitamin a precursor; split to form retinal. Lycopene: prevents cancer; prostate cancer; no vitamin a. 600 carotenoids in nature; only 50 in food. Vitamin a absorbed by the lymph system; stored in the liver. Retinol-binding protein (rbp) picks up retinol from the liver and carries it around in the blood. Each form of vitamin a has a different function in the body. Retinol: supports reproduction/major transport and storage of vitamin a.
