Which of the following trace minerals functions as an antioxidant?

December 26, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, selenium is a trace mineral that helps the body make special proteins called antioxidant enzymes, which play a significant role in preventing cell damage. But it is not the only trace mineral with antioxidant properties, as others, including zinc, copper, and manganese, also function to combat oxidative stress.

Quick Summary

This article explores the specific trace minerals that function as antioxidants, detailing their unique mechanisms for neutralizing free radicals and protecting against oxidative damage. It covers how selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese serve as cofactors for crucial antioxidant enzymes.

Key Points

Selenium: Serves as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductases, which neutralize harmful peroxides and maintain cellular redox balance.
Zinc: Acts as a crucial structural and functional component of the antioxidant enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD).
Copper: Is a cofactor for the Cu/Zn-SOD enzyme, working alongside zinc to convert superoxide radicals into less harmful molecules.
Manganese: Is an essential cofactor for manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), which protects mitochondria from oxidative damage.
Synergy: These minerals work together in a complex network to enhance the body's overall antioxidant capacity and protect against cellular damage.
Protection: Collectively, these trace minerals neutralize free radicals, stabilize cell membranes, and combat inflammation to prevent various chronic diseases and premature aging.

Understanding Oxidative Stress and the Role of Antioxidants

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals, and the body's ability to counteract their harmful effects. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA, contributing to aging and various chronic diseases. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, stopping the chain reaction of damage. While vitamins C and E are well-known antioxidants, essential trace minerals also play a fundamental role as cofactors for antioxidant enzymes.

Trace Minerals with Antioxidant Function

Several trace minerals are vital for the body's antioxidant defense system.

Selenium

Selenium is a key trace mineral for antioxidant function because it's incorporated into selenoproteins, which are crucial for antioxidant defense. This includes enzymes like Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), which detoxifies peroxides, and Thioredoxin Reductases (TrxR), which help maintain cellular redox balance.

Zinc

Zinc is an important trace mineral with antioxidant capabilities, acting as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes and protecting cellular structures. It is a component of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), which converts harmful superoxide radicals. Zinc also stabilizes cell membranes and competes with pro-oxidant metals.

Copper and Manganese

Both copper and manganese are necessary for antioxidant function. Copper is a crucial part of the Cu/Zn-SOD enzyme and is also found in ceruloplasmin, which helps regulate iron metabolism. Manganese is a cofactor for manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), which protects mitochondria from superoxide radicals.

Comparison of Trace Mineral Antioxidant Roles


Mineral	Key Antioxidant Enzyme(s)	Primary Mechanism	Location of Action
Selenium	Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Thioredoxin Reductases (TrxR)	Catalyzes the detoxification of peroxides and regenerates other antioxidants	Cytoplasm, Mitochondria, Extracellular Space
Zinc	Cu/Zn-Superoxide Dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD)	Structural component of enzymes, stabilizes cell membranes, competes with pro-oxidant metals	Cytoplasm, Membranes
Copper	Cu/Zn-Superoxide Dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), Ceruloplasmin	Structural component of enzymes, aids in iron transport	Cytoplasm, Extracellular Space
Manganese	Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (Mn-SOD)	Cofactor for mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes	Mitochondria

Synergistic Function in the Body's Antioxidant Network

These antioxidant trace minerals work together synergistically. Selenium is needed for GPx, which works with zinc-dependent SOD. Copper and zinc are both required for Cu/Zn-SOD. This teamwork ensures strong antioxidant defenses, and deficiencies can compromise the system. A balanced diet is essential for adequate intake and optimal antioxidant protection.

Conclusion: A Multi-Mineral Defense System

In conclusion, selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese are trace minerals that function as antioxidants, each contributing to the body's defense against oxidative stress by acting as cofactors for antioxidant enzymes. Their combined effort neutralizes free radicals, protects cellular structures, and supports overall health. Ensuring a sufficient intake of these minerals through a balanced diet is crucial for a robust antioxidant defense network.

For more detailed information on the roles of trace minerals in human health, visit the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements website at https://ods.od.nih.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selenium is most well-known for its antioxidant properties, as it is a crucial component of selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidase, which are essential for neutralizing harmful peroxides.

Zinc functions as an antioxidant primarily as a cofactor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). It also helps stabilize cell membranes and can displace other metals that promote free radical formation.

Yes, both copper and manganese have antioxidant roles. Copper is a component of the enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, while manganese is a cofactor for manganese superoxide dismutase, which specifically works in the mitochondria.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between harmful free radicals and protective antioxidants. An excess of free radicals can damage cell components like DNA and proteins, contributing to aging and chronic diseases.

The antioxidant trace minerals work synergistically. For instance, the function of glutathione peroxidase (which requires selenium) is complemented by superoxide dismutase (which requires both zinc and copper) in different parts of the cell.

For most healthy individuals, a balanced and varied diet that includes foods like Brazil nuts (selenium), meat (zinc), and whole grains (manganese) provides sufficient levels of these minerals. Supplementation should only be considered under a doctor's supervision.

A deficiency in these antioxidant trace minerals can impair the body's ability to fight oxidative stress, potentially leading to a weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infection, and accelerated cellular damage.

Yes, excessive intake of trace minerals can lead to toxicity and cause adverse health effects. For example, too much zinc can interfere with copper absorption, and high doses of selenium can be toxic.

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is a key enzyme that depends on selenium. It plays a critical role in neutralizing hydrogen peroxide, a harmful free radical byproduct.