Cigarette Smoke May Rob Children Of Needed Antioxidants

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090504151456.htm

ScienceDaily (May 7, 2009) — Children exposed to cigarette smoke have lower levels of antioxidants, which help the body defend itself against many biological stresses.
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Antioxidants are believed to play an important role in protecting the body's cells against free radicals, which can damage cells. Free radicals are produced during many body processes including when we use oxygen and respond to infections. It is not completely understood how antioxidants work together to neutralize free radicals, but scientists continue to discover more antioxidant compounds, including those examined in the study – vitamins E and C, folate and beta-carotene.