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What are reactive oxygen species?

What are reactive oxygen species?

We all know that the human body needs oxygen to survive. Important metabolic processes depend on oxygen for the production of energy. The downside of these complex processes, however, is the inevitable generation of highly reactive and aggressive intermediate products of oxygen known as free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS).

ROS lack an electron in their chemical structure. So they attack other molecules to “steal” this missing electron. The attacked molecules are turned into free radicals in the process and now also need to get an electron, starting a vicious circle.

High ROS concentrations may attack important proteins of metabolic processes, cell membranes and the genetic material (DNA), causing massive damage to a variety of body cells. The
consequences are particularly serious when the important immune cells are affected because this may weaken your ability to fight pathogens and disease.

In the course of evolution, the human body has developed effective protective mechanisms against ROS. The first line of defense is made up of antioxidants capable of neutralizing reactive oxygen species. These are also called free radical scavengers and include vitamins C and E as well as secondary plant constituents (such as anthocyans and polyphenols) which need to be supplied in the diet.