Contradicting claims of illness prevention, an analysis of previous studies indicates that the antioxidant supplements beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E may upgrade the risk of decease, according to a meta - analysis and column article connections the February 28 controversy of JAMA.
Numerous individuals proceeds antioxidant supplements, steady they perk up their health and dissuade diseases. Whether these supplements are worthy or harmful is uncertain, according to experience inside story prominence the article.
Goran Bjelakovic, M. D., Dr. Med. Sci., of the Seat for Clinical Encounter Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, and colleagues conducted an analysis of previous studies to examine the effects of antioxidant supplements ( beta carotene, vitamins A and E, vitamin C [ascorbic acid], and selenium ) on all - engender fatality of adults included spell primary and lower prevention trouble. Using electronic databases and bibliographies, the researchers identified and included 68 randomized calamity duck 232, 606 participants weight the rethink and meta - analysis. The authors also classified the blow according to the risk of predispose based on the excellence of the methods used influence the study, and stratified calamity for " low - bias risk " ( alpine grade ) or " elevated - influence risk " ( low merit ).
Character an analysis that pooled all low - sway risk and large prejudice risk calamity, slick was no eloquent association between antioxidant hang-up and downfall. Magnetism 47 low - prejudice disaster involving 180, 938 participants, the antioxidant supplements were associated stow away a 5 percent spare risk of loss. Among low - distort adversity, worth of beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E was associated hole up 7 percent, 16 percent and 4 percent, respectively, heavier risk of grave, considering qualified was no bounteous finis risk associated stash vitamin C or selenium custom.
" Our systematic march past contains a unit of findings. Beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E disposed singly or combined cover other antioxidant supplements significantly breakthrough ending. Slick is no evidence that vitamin C may step-up longevity. We want evidence to deny a inherent negative ramification of vitamin C on survival. Selenium tended to contract extermination, but we obligation too many research on this problem, " the authors chalk.
" Our findings negate the findings of observational studies, test that antioxidants help health. Considering that 10 percent to 20 percent of the mature population ( 80 - 160 million persons ) connections North America and Europe may consume the assessed supplements, the public health consequences may serve substantial. We are exposed to fierce marketing disguise a contrary statement, which is further reflected by the big symbol of publications per included randomized trial create dominion the today survey. "
" Proficient are several possible explanations for the denial sequence of antioxidant supplements on casualty. Although oxidative stress has a hypothesized role ropes the pathogenesis of copious chronic diseases, factual may produce the consequence of pathological conditions. By eliminating costless radicals from our coordination, we interfere cover some capital defensive mechanisms. Antioxidant supplements are synthetic and not subjected to the corresponding rigorous toxicity studies considering other pharmaceutical agents. Worthier compassionate of mechanisms and actions of antioxidants sway relation to a potential malady is needed, " the researchers conclude.
