Analyse the role of antioxidants for combating the effects of free radicals.

antioxidants are found in many foods and so are consumed as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet ✔

free radicals are unstable and destructive to nearby molecules ✔ 

OR

free radicals can: affect cell / mitochondrial membrane integrity / permeability / impair the function of molecules (eg enzymes) / impair DNA structure ✔

free radicals are a by-product of normal cell function that can lead to oxidative stress without sufficient antioxidants ✔

many athletes consume antioxidants in dietary supplements as extra defence against free radical damage ✔

no consistent evidence that these supplements reduce oxidative stress or have positive training or performance impact ✔

excess intake above RDA may have detrimental effects on the body ✔

a lack of adequate regulation means that some products are poorly formulated and may even contain banned substances ✔