Plant Polyphenols, Prenatal Development and Health Outcomes

The survival and health of aerobic organisms rely on their ability to perceive, tolerate and respond to various environmental stresses that otherwise compromise proper development and reproduction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are ubiquitous molecules that are generated as natural by-products of aerobic respiration and metabolism. Uncontrolled ROS generation appear to be responsible for oxidative damage to main cellular constituents, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids [1]. Fortunately, various dietary and cellular antioxidants maintain physiological levels of ROS, which in turn ensure biological functions without too much oxidative damage to the biological systems.