Final answer:
Micronutrients such as vitamins E, A, and C, as well as beta-carotene and selenium serve as primary antioxidants in the body, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells against oxidative damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The micronutrients with a primary function as antioxidants are vitamins E, A, and C, along with beta-carotene and selenium. These substances can prevent oxidative damage to cells by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Vitamins C (Ascorbic acid) and E (Tocopherols) are powerful antioxidants in the body. Vitamin E protects lipids in cell membranes from oxidation and can interrupt free radical chain reactions. Vitamin C helps to reduce potentially damaging oxidation of living cells, itself becoming oxidized in the process to dehydroascorbic acid. Beta-carotene, a provitamin A, also has antioxidant properties and contributes to the defense against oxidative stress. Furthermore, selenium plays a critical role in protecting against oxidative damage, working more globally throughout the body. Additionally, Vitamin A is involved in maintaining cell differentiation, which in turn may support a slower cell growth rate, indirectly contributing to its antioxidant capacity.
These antioxidants are essential for protecting cells and DNA from damage, which can result from both metabolic activities and environmental factors like radiation and pollution. They can be found in various foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, and contribute significantly to the body's overall defense mechanisms against oxidative stress.