Tobacco use introduces into the body oxidants that can potentially harm body tissues. What antioxidant plays an important role in protecting sensitive blood constituents from being damaged, and so is needed in much higher amounts in people exposed to tobacco products and smoke?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that plays a vital role in protecting sensitive blood constituents, such as red blood cells, from being damaged by tobacco smoke. Smoking significantly increases the body's demand for vitamin C, making it essential for individuals exposed to tobacco products and smoke to consume larger amounts of this nutrient. Beta-carotene and vitamin E are fat-soluble antioxidants that also play important roles in protecting against oxidative damage but do not have as direct a role in protecting blood constituents as vitamin C. Vitamin K is not an antioxidant and does not play a significant role in protecting against oxidative damage caused by smoking.

Tobacco Use Introduces into the Body Oxidants That Can Potentially