Dietetic antioxidants: Controversies and perspectives

The generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) during metabolism is capable of damaging cellular biomolecules. To be protected against oxidative injury, cells evolved complex cellular defense mechanisms and the capability to use exogenous antioxidants to eliminate ROS/RNS. The potential role of micronutrients as antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and poliphenols) has stimulated intense research efforts. In various human supplementation studies, however, these compounds presented pro-oxidant effects at high doses for most risk groups. Therefore, more studies about the bioavailability, tissue uptake, metabolism and biological activities should be performed before establishing recommendations for disease prevention.