The antioxidant mineral is selenium Antioxidants exert their function by preventing oxygen from combining with other substances that it may damage.
Free radicals can damage protein, fat, and even DNA of cells.
The recommended antioxidant guideline for vitamin E is practically impossible to obtain through the diet alone. Therefore, according to the Berkeley Wellness Letter 200-800 IU should be taken. Beta-carotene supplements seem to increase lung cancer and mortality rate in smokers. If a person consumes a well balanced diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation is usually not necessary.