The exposure at high radiation doses is suitable
for sterilization, but it causes the development of flavors,
aftertaste, and loss of vitamins A, B, D, and C.[9]
Unsaturated organic compounds, some protein structures
(porphyrins), and cholesterol are absorbers of
ultraviolet radiation. The UV component of radiation
acts on the biomolecules by damaging nucleic acids
(changes in the purine bases: adenine A and guanine
G, and of the pyramiding: thymine T,[10] cytosine C,
and uracil U). The photochemical reactions that
can be mentioned are isomerization and internal
rearrangement of the molecule, polymerization or
combinations between molecules, and breaks of the
chemical bonds.