The term antioxidant is used to describe a group of substances which includes vitamins C and E, and A, and the mineral Selenium. These antioxidants work at the molecular and cellular levels to deactivate particles called free radicals.

Free radicals are produced naturally by many cellular processes, but more importantly, their output can be greatly increased by exposure to environmental factors such as pollution, tobacco smoke and radiation. Left unchecked, free radicals can cause damage to cell walls, structures, and genetic material within the cells. In the long run this can lead to diseases, including cancer.