ABSTRACT

This chapter provides an overview of the current knowledge on the role of antioxidants in physical and cognitive development during childhood and adolescence, looking at both classic antioxidants (vitamins, minerals) and the emerging ones (polyphenols). Recently, a new level has been revealed in the relationship between physical development and antioxidant levels according to the HELENA study results, where a significant association between vitamin status and cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness has been shown. There is even evidence for a relationship between maternal antioxidant intake (vitamin E in particular) during pregnancy and the development of asthma later in childhood. However, antioxidants can contribute to the healthy growth of children by helping prevent overweight and obesity; in other words, deficiencies in antioxidant micronutrients have been linked to a higher risk of obesity in early ages.