Liquid Vitamin Facts: Anti-oxidants
Learn why anti-oxidants are beneficial to the body.
There are many good reasons for taking a vitamin supplement. But today there is a very good reason for taking a liquid vitamin supplement. Why? Well, liquid vitamins contain anti-oxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These anti-oxidants combat free radicals. What are free radicals?
Free radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons in the outer shell. Why is this so deadly? Most atoms want to attain a stable outer shell. Free radicals must obtain an electron to be stable. However, free radicals are extremely reactive and will react with the nearest molecule. The free radical will steal the electron from the nearest molecule. This will create a chain reaction in which the molecule that was oxidized will then become a free radical. This chain reaction will continue until resulting in the disruption of a living cell.
Free radicals can attack lipids (fats), proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA. However, DNA is a prime target. DNA and free radical interactions usually result in mutations that affect the cell cycle. This can potentially lead to malignancy. Researchers believe this is how many forms of cancer arise.
Vitamin C, A, and E are anti-oxidants that protect the body from damaging oxidation reactions. The anti-oxidants safely interact with free radicals and prevent the damage of vital molecules. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating the needed electron. This will end the chain reaction. The antioxidants are able to donate an electron because they are stable in either form. So this is just another good reason to take a liquid vitamin supplement.
Kristy Haugen
