Antioxidants: The First in a Series of Functional Foods Fact Sheets

To help improve the public's understanding of emerging research on functional foods, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation released the first in a series of referenced materials on various food components and their potential health benefits, Functional Foods Fact Sheet: Antioxidants. "Functional foods" include any food or food component that may provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition.

The Antioxidants fact sheet contains information on the health effects, research, references, and dietary sources of antioxidants; a "bottom line" section summarizes the research and current recommendations. Links to several informational Web sites are also included. Each fact sheet in the series will follow a similar format and will cover such components as plant stanols and sterols, soy protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and pre- and probiotics.

Despite many functional food studies cited in the media, consumers continue to have questions. "Because the Antioxidants fact sheet is referenced to include significant research, it serves as a valuable resource on the sometimes overwhelming body of science related to antioxidants. This referenced backgrounder can also assist health professionals and journalists in helping consumers understand the latest research ...not just the hype," said Sylvia Rowe, IFIC Foundation President and CEO.

The IFIC Foundation provides many food safety and nutrition resources, including referrals to credible scientific, culinary, and regulatory experts. In addition to the Antioxidants fact sheet, many of these resources are available from the IFIC Foundation Web site, http://ific.org. A free, single copy of Functional Foods Fact Sheet: Antioxidants can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Antioxidants, P.O. Box 65708, Washington, D.C. 20035.

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation's mission is to communicate science-based information on food safety and nutrition issues to health professionals, educators, journalists and government officials. IFIC and the IFIC Foundation are primarily supported by the food, beverage and agricultural industries. IFIC Foundation materials are available at http://ific.org. For interviews with scientific experts, or for more information, call (202) 296-6540