What role do antioxidants play in relation to vitamins?

Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress, which is caused by the presence of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to various diseases and aging processes. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals by donating electrons, thereby stabilizing them and reducing their potentially harmful effects.

In terms of vitamins, many vitamins themselves act as antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. These vitamins help combat oxidative stress by directly scavenging free radicals or by regenerating other antioxidants. Thus, the role of antioxidants in relation to vitamins is significant because they contribute to the overall protective functions and health benefits of these nutrients.

The other options involve concepts that do not accurately represent the role of antioxidants. For instance, antioxidants do not convert vitamins into minerals, assist in their absorption, or increase metabolic rate directly. Each of these options mischaracterizes the function of antioxidants and their relationship with vitamins.