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.
DNA and RNA are made of nucleotides, which contain oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus. The nucleic acid backbone is comprised of sugars, made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and phosphate groups, made of phosphorus, hydrogen, and oxygen. The backbone binds to bases, which contain a nitrogen element.