A Computer System for Analysis and Correction of Antioxidant Intake

Abstract

Free radicals have been proposed to be involved in at least 50 diseases. Nutrition/epidemiology studies indicate that antioxidants may be protective against cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer (Stainberg, 1993). Considerable intake of B-carotene, vitamins A, E, C and polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA) reduce cancer death by 13% and overall mortality by 10%. It seems likely that B-1, B-2 and B-6 vitamins may have played a role in reducing the level of these and some other diseases too (Sperduto et al., 1993). Therefore, the problem of an adequate antioxidant supply is important. At the same time the determination of the optimal individual level of antioxidant intake is difficult to ascertain. The nutrients required by an individual is related to a number of factors such as health habits, (smoking and other intoxications), profession, mental and physical conditions. The individuals nutrient needs may be significantly different from the Recommended Dietary allowance (RDA) because the assessment of personal information including diet is necessary. Computer systems are widely used in the epidemiological/nutrition research (Block and Hartman, 1989; Feskanich et al., 1989). The aim of this project was to develop the Antioxidant Computer Program (ACP), computerized method for analysis and correction of antioxidant intake.