Why is oxidation in the body bad?

Oxidation can damage vital molecules in our cells, including DNA and proteins, which are responsible for many body processes. Molecules such as DNA are needed for cells to function properly, so if too many are damaged, the cell can malfunction or die.

How does oxidative stress damage tissues?

Oxidative stress can cause chronic inflammation. Infections and injuries trigger the body’s immune response. Immune cells called macrophages produce free radicals while fighting off invading germs. These free radicals can damage healthy cells, leading to inflammation.

Why does your body require presence of antioxidants in your tissues?

Antioxidants prevent free radical induced tissue damage by preventing the formation of radicals, scavenging them, or by promoting their decomposition.

What causes skin oxidation?

Oxidation and what it does to the skin An example is when oxygen combines with iron to cause rust (or iron oxide). Another case comes when sebum on the surface of the skin (a combination of keratin and oil) clogs pores and is exposed to the air.

What is oxidation process in the body?

The uneven number of electrons makes these highly reactive. These free radicals react with oxygen in the body. This process is called oxidation. Oxidation is a normal process that happens in the body. It can help fight pathogens, hence reduces the risk of infections.

What is oxidation in human body?

Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. The uneven number allows them to easily react with other molecules. Free radicals can cause large chain chemical reactions in your body because they react so easily with other molecules. These reactions are called oxidation.

How does oxidant damage cells?

ROS and other oxidants can cause oxidation of lipids, proteins and DNA with following tissue damage. Toxic products of oxidation proceed cytostatic effects causing membrane damage and lead into cell death via apoptosis or necrosis.

Are antioxidants oxidizing agents?

Hence, antioxidant agents are capable of terminating a chain reaction by eliminating free radical intermediates, as shown in Figure 7.1. They perform the antioxidant behavior by being oxidized, hence antioxidants can be considered reducing agents. Some examples are ascorbic acid, thiols, or polyphenols.

What are oxidants in the body?

Oxidants are reactive molecules that are produced both inside your body and the environment that can react with other cellular molecules in your body such as protein, DNA and lipids. When it does that, it damages molecules and it’s what causes disease and inflammation.

Where does oxidation occur in human body?

Most chemical energy in the body exists as ATP, produced during aerobic respiration. Nutrient oxidation is carried out by reduced coenzymes in the mitochondria, which are oxidized in the respiratory chain. The electrons are transferred to the oxygen created proton gradient that allows for ATP generation.