[Antioxidants in nutrition and their importance in the anti-/oxidative balance in the immune system].

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species can damage cells and tissues of biological organisms. Due to the fact that these compounds are generated continuously in living cells defense mechanisms must exist. This so-called antioxidative system ensures that the formation of free radicals during different physiological processes does not result in cellular damage. Free radicals (oxidants) are produced form the immune system. The purpose of this immune cell products is to destroy invading organisms and damaged tissue. Oxidants enhance IL-1, IL-8 and TNF production in response to inflammatory stimuli. Sophisticated antioxidant defense systems like enzymes or vitamins protect directly and indirectly the host against the damaging influence of oxidants. While endogenous systems can hardly be influenced, exogenous antioxidants, delivered by the diet, can be upregulated in the body. By this way the pro-/antioxidative capacity can be balanced or even unbalanced.