Difference between antioxidants and vitamins / Diferencia entre antioxidantes y vitaminas

Antioxidants vs. Vitamins: Understanding the Difference

Although antioxidants and vitamins are sometimes discussed together, they are not the same thing. Vitamins are essential nutrients, while antioxidants are compounds — some of which may be vitamins — that help protect cells from oxidative stress.

1. What Are Vitamins?

Vitamins are organic nutrients that the body needs in specific amounts to function normally. Examples include:

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin B complex

• Vitamin A, E, and K

They play roles in metabolism, immune function, vision, and many other processes.

2. What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are molecules that help neutralize free radicals. Some antioxidants are vitamins, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, but many others come from plant compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, or polyphenols.

3. Key Differences

As research continues to expand, scientists are learning more about how antioxidants and vitamins work together across different metabolic pathways. Some antioxidants rely on vitamins to be activated, while certain vitamins require oxidative balance to function optimally. Understanding this interplay helps consumers make more informed decisions when choosing foods or supplements, highlighting that both components contribute distinct yet complementary roles in supporting overall health.

References

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “Antioxidants.”

• NIH: “Vitamins and Minerals Fact Sheets.”

• Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University.