MyFoodPathEat well. One step at a time.
Hand-painted illustration of sea buckthorn, a yellow bell pepper half, open oysters and pecans.

How nutrition works

Protection from oxidative stress

Which nutrients protect cells from oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress arises when reactive oxygen compounds damage cell components. Some nutrients contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress according to EU health claims. Here you find them – with evidence level and sources.

Nutrients & foods

  • Evidence: strong

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. [1][2]

      Authorised EU claim

  • Evidence: strong

    Zinc

    • Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. [2]

      Authorised EU claim

  • Evidence: strong

    Selenium

    • Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. [2][3]

      Authorised EU claim

Sources

  1. 01EFSA Journal · 2009Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin C and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 129, 138, 143, 148), antioxidant function of lutein (ID 146), maintenance of vision (ID 141, 142), collagen formation (ID 130, 131, 136, 137, 149), function of the nervous system (ID 133), function of the immune system (ID 134), function of the immune system during and after extreme physical exercise (ID 144), non-haem iron absorption (ID 132, 147), energy-yielding metabolism (ID 135), and relief in case of irritation in the upper respiratory tract (ID 1714, 1715) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006DOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1226
  2. 02European Commission · 2012Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children's development and healthOpen source
  3. 03EFSA Journal · 2014Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for seleniumDOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3846