Antioxidants: first in a series of Functional Foods Fact Sheets

Dairy Foods, Jan, 2003

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. The document is entitled "Functional Foods Fact Sheet: Antioxidants."

The fact sheet contains information on the health effects, research, references and dietary sources of antioxidants, as well as a "bottom line" section that 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.

"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," says Sylvia Rowe, IFIC president and CEO.

For more information, visit http://ific.org. A free, single copy of the fact sheet can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Antioxidants, P.O. Box 65708, Washington, D.C. 20035.