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Abstract
Free radicals and other oxygen-derived species are constantly generated in vivo, both
by "accidents of chemistry" and for specific metabolic purposes. The reactivity of
different free radicals varies, but some can cause severe damage to biological molecules,
especially to DNA, lipids, and proteins. Antioxidant defense systems scavenge and
minimize the formation of oxygen-derived species, but they are not 100% effective.
Hence, diet-derived antioxidants may be particularly important in diminishing cumulative
oxidative damage and helping us to stay healthier for longer. Repair systems exist
to deal with molecules that have been oxidatively damaged. Damage to DNA by hydroxyl
radicals appears to occur in all aerobic cells, and might be a significant contributor
to the age-dependent development of cancer. Lipid peroxidation probably contributes
significantly to the development of atherosclerosis.