Natural Antioxidants and Resistance to Infection

Cells have evolved a highly sophisticated and complex antioxidant protection system to neutralize free radicals represented by a wide variety of components. Cells that constitute our immune system are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress, although the protective function associated with the activity of immune system is an important source of reactive oxygen species. Similarly, during the inflammatory process, activation of phagocytes triggers the production of large quantities of the superoxide anion radical. Antioxidant nutrients (vitamins or trace elements) commonly included in the diet such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, β-carotene, selenium, copper, iron, and zinc improve different immune function exhibiting an important protective role in infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.