Antioxidant Vitamin Research
Oxygen radicals are everywhere because we live in an atmosphere that
contains oxygen. Oxidation stress, therefore, is unavoidable - it is a
consequence of living. There is an increasing body of evidence that
oxidative stress is linked to many diseases such as cardiovascular
disease, cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders (ex. Parkinson's
disease), cataracts, and arthritis. One of our strongest defences is to
eat foods containing natural antioxidants.
Research conducted in the antioxidant vitamin laboratory focuses on
nutritional factors and nutrient interrelationships that influence the
bioavailability of various forms of vitamin E and C which may have very
important implications in reducing oxidative stress and in reducing
disease outcome. For example, current studies focus on investigating the
role that antioxidant supplementation may play in modulating biological
markers or risk factors for chronic diseases such as coronary heart
disease. These include elevated blood cholesterol, abnormal lipoprotein
profiles (in particular, oxidized low density lipoproteins), lipid
peroxidation events and others.
We are also investigating the placental and mammary transfer of various
forms of vitamin E to the fetus and the neonate (particularly the
preterm infant) who are susceptible to vitamin E deficiency. Data
obtained from these types of studies provide valuable information in
formulating Health Canada's preterm infant guidelines for prenatal
nutrition as well as providing insights into requirements for infant
formulas.
Other areas of research include method development for monitoring
various forms and levels of vitamins E and C found in the food supply
such as infant formulas, formulated liquid diets, and processed foods.
This research is used in a variety of ways. New data enables us to
incorporate and update dietary recommendations as well as determine the
importance of vitamins and foods in disease etiology.
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