NTDT200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Vitamin A Deficiency, Macular Degeneration, Nasal Congestion
6 Jan 2018
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Document Summary
What is a free radical: molecule with 1 or more unpaired electrons > very unstable and highly reactive, free radical steals electron from another molecule, formerly stable molecule becomes unstable due to loss of electron, chain reaction. Effects of oxidative stress: aging, impaired cognitive performance, cancer, arthritis, cataracts and macular degeneration, heart disease. Donate electron without becoming unstable > break chain reaction. Dietary antioxidants: vitamin c, vitamin e, beta-carotene, some phytochemical, some minerals cofactors for anti oxidative enzymes. Roles of vitamin c: water soluble, antioxidant, cofactor in collagen formation, cofactor in other reactions, cure for common cold, protection from lead poisoning. Vitamin c as an aox infections temperature extremes: sox for water soluble substances, prevents iron oxidation in small intestine > enhances iron absorptions. Vitamin c and stress: exact role in stress unknown, vitamin c needs increased in stress burns, immune response creates oxidative burst to destroy offending viruses/bacteria.
