Natania Hew

• BSc (Hons) Food & Human Nutrition
• How does consumption of dietary antioxidants affect plasma antioxidant capacity in the body?

The aim of this research was to measure the differences in blood plasma antioxidant capacity  at different time points after consuming an antioxidant containing drink. To do this, two different antioxidants – vitamin C and epicatechin (an antioxidant found in green tea), were used as treatments and compared with a blank drink (the control).The treatment drinks were given at random to 13 healthy volunteers (BMI 18-35) who were asked to undergo a restricted diet during the study. Blood samples were collected from the volunteers throughout the day and were later analysed. The results were then checked to see whether antioxidants tend to accumulate in the blood or if the body system maintains the balance of antioxidants in the blood. It was found that the consumption of the two antioxidant drinks appeared to have no effect on plasma antioxidant capacity when compared with the control.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr Kirsten Brandt