2 weeks ago - Organisms contain chemicals and enzymes that minimize this oxidative damage without interfering with the beneficial effect of oxygen. In general, antioxidant systems either prevent these reactive species from being formed, or remove them, thus minimizing their damage.
- The synthesis of idebenone, an analogue of ubiquinone, serves as a clear example of a targeted chemical production route [11]. An efficient two-step method has been devised, achieving a high total yield of 81% [47]. The synthesis begins with a FriedelCrafts Acylation reaction, which is followed by a combined Williamson Ether Synthesis and Oxidation step to form the final idebenone molecule [47]. A specific classification exists for molecules that are created through chemical synthesis but are structurally indistinguishable from their naturally occurring counterparts [73]. This group includes some of the most well-known antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), -carotene, and tocopherols (vitamin E) [73].
- Phytochemical: refers to plants (phyto) and the chemical compounds in them. We may also refer to them as phytonutrients. Antioxidants are substances that help prevent cells from damage from unstable molecules known as "free radicals".
- There are several types of antioxidants that have been used historically in the food industry, as well as in other industries, such as cosmetics, pharmaceutical or animal nutrition. On the one hand are the natural antioxidants, which are obtained entirely from natural sources, and on the other the synthetic antioxidants, created from chemical processes.
- Differences in the amount and type of antioxidants in foods versus those in supplements might also influence their effects. For example, there are eight chemical forms of vitamin E present in foods. However, vitamin E supplements typically only include one form, alpha-tocopherol.
