Apart from diet (Vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene,…) the body has several antioxidant mechanisms that can protect itself from reactive oxygen species mediated damage.

The antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase are such enzymes. They require micronutrient cofactors such as selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese for their activity. An inadequate dietary intake of these trace minerals may lead to low antioxidant activity.