Skip to main content

BRS3 — Inflammation & Oxidative Stress

BRS3(KC2) - Antioxidant Cofactor Sufficiency​

1. Definition​

Availability of trace-mineral cofactors required for endogenous antioxidant enzymes and metal-binding defense.

2. Constraint Role​

Maintains trace-mineral sufficiency for antioxidant enzymes, metal-binding proteins, and related endogenous defence systems [1][2]. Supports effective operation of antioxidant and inflammatory-control mechanisms when selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese remain available in adequate balance rather than chronically marginal.

3. Supporting Inputs/Substrates​

  • Copper ← nuts, seeds, cocoa
  • Manganese ← whole grains, tea
  • Selenium ← seafood, brazil nuts
  • Zinc ← meat, legumes, seeds

4. Biological Importance​

Endogenous antioxidant enzymes depend on trace-mineral cofactors for normal activity [1]. Antioxidant defence functions as a network, so weak cofactor status can limit the effectiveness of otherwise available antioxidant substrates [2]. Inadequate cofactor availability can reduce capacity to buffer ROS, recycle antioxidant systems, and manage oxidative load across linked mechanisms.

5. Connected Mechanisms​

6. Constraint Stressors / Burdens​

  • chronically low seafood, nuts, seeds, legumes, or whole-grain coverage
  • restrictive or low-variety diets reducing trace-mineral adequacy
  • inflammatory or toxic burden increasing endogenous antioxidant demand
  • impaired absorption or high competing burden affecting mineral status
  • dietary patterns high in energy but low in micronutrient density

7. References​

  1. Mocchegiani and Malavolta (2019)
  2. Vertuani et al. (2004)