As we get older, one-third of individuals don t absorb vitamin B12. There is also a decrease in calcium absorption and in the amount of vitamin D stored in the skin. These vitamin deficiencies can have a large impact on health. Antioxidants have recently come under a lot of scrutiny for their potential health benefit. Throughout life, environmental exposures result in the production of free radicals.
Free radicals are potentially toxic by-products of cellular reactions that damage cells in our body.
Smoking, pollution, and ozone in the atmosphere as well as respiration and iron are some of the ways that free radicals are produced in the body. Antioxidants react with these free radicals and prevent cell damage. There are many sources for antioxidants, including fruits and vegetables and green tea. These foods contain vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, glutathione, and beta carotene which are known to operate as antioxidants. It has been hypothesized that free radicals may play a role in the development of Alzheimer s disease.