Can Antioxidants Mitigate the Effects of the Fenton Reaction?
Antioxidants play a crucial role in counteracting the harmful effects of the Fenton reaction. They can neutralize ROS, thus preventing cellular damage. Enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase convert ROS into less harmful molecules. Non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and polyphenols, can also scavenge free radicals. Dietary antioxidants are essential in maintaining the body's defense against oxidative stress, although their effectiveness in preventing disease is still a subject of research.