Examples of antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. This fact sheet provides basic information about antioxidants, summarizes what the science says about antioxidants and health, and suggests sources for additional information. Key Points Vegetables and fruits are rich sources of antioxidants.
Proteins, among the most complex of all organic compounds, are composed of amino acids (see Figure 2-4), which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms. Certain amino acids also have sulfur atoms, phosphorus, or other trace elements such as iron or copper.
Living organisms are composed primarily of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Other elements in living matter include calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace amounts of other elements. Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. The oceans also contain salt, made up of sodium and chlorine. The atmosphere is mostly made up of the element nitrogen, existing in diatomic form (N2). It also includes oxygen, carbon (in carbon dioxide) and a small amount of other elements.