A client with a family history of cancer is discussing the effects of

A client with a family history of cancer is discussing the effects of free radicals on body cells and tissue. Which of the following responses is the most therapeutic answer to the client’s question, “What can I do to protect against free radicals?”

1. “Eat foods like blueberries, oranges, almonds, and carrots; they fight free radi-cals.”
2. “I can give you some literature on which foods are highest in free-radical fight-ers.”
3. “Research seems to support the positive role vitamins A, C, and E play in neutral-izing free radicals.”
4. “Foods that contain vitamins A, C, and E as well as beta-carotene seem to combat the effects of free radicals.”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Certain vitamins are currently of interest in their role as antioxidants. These vitamins neutralize substances called free radicals, which produce oxidative damage to body cells and tissues. Re-searchers believe that oxidative damage increases a person’s risk for various cancers. These vita-mins include beta-carotene and vitamins A, C, and E. The remaining options oversimplify the re-sponse or give very unspecific information.