Mechanisms of the antioxidant defense in children

Abstract The problem of antioxidative defence forming and the role of food antioxidants in it as well as the use of antioxidants in the nutrition of infants and children is discussed. The literature data on antioxidants and prooxidants regulatory effects on cell proliferation and tissue differentiation are reviewed. The important role of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their synergists (flavonoids, vitamin E, etc.) in the regulation of the processes of lipid peroxidation and antioxidative activity in the organism is stressed and their possible participation in the regulation of cell proliferation and tissue differentiation is discussed.