Glossary Term:
Title
antioxidants
Phonetic
<b>an</b>-tee-<b>OX</b>-uh-dunts or <b>an</b>-tie-<b>OX</b>-uh-dunts
Description
Substances that protect cells from damage caused by the process of oxidation during metabolism. Some vitamins, such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene are antioxidants. Antioxidants that are found in foods are thought to reduce the risk of some cancers. But taking certain antioxidants as supplements has been linked to higher cancer risk in some people.