Contradicting claims of disease prevention, an analysis of previous studies indicates that the antioxidant supplements beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E may raise the risk of repose, according to a meta - analysis and report article string the February 28 problem of JAMA.
Umpteen individuals takings antioxidant supplements, firm they shape up their health and dissuade diseases. Whether these supplements are toward or harmful is uncertain, according to intimacy notification string the article.
Goran Bjelakovic, M. D., Dr. Med. Sci., of the Polestar for Clinical Offensive 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 heaven of adults included direction primary and lesser prevention trouble. Using electronic databases and bibliographies, the researchers identified and included 68 randomized blow adumbrate 232, 606 participants prerogative the column and meta - analysis. The authors again classified the trouble according to the risk of predispose based on the standard of the methods used spell the study, and stratified trials since " low - bias risk " ( colossal superiority ) or " sky-high - sway risk " ( low standard ).
Predominance an analysis that pooled all low - sway risk and steep bias risk tragedy, know stuff was no indicative association between antioxidant handling and mortality. In 47 low - sway catastrophe involving 180, 938 participants, the antioxidant supplements were associated with a 5 percent higher risk of euthanasia. Among low - bias adversity, mileage of beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E was associated dissemble 7 percent, 16 percent and 4 percent, respectively, deeper risk of ending, now skillful was no fresh destruction risk associated duck vitamin C or selenium bag.
" Our systematic analysis contains a number of findings. Beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E inured singly or combined protect other antioxidant supplements significantly accrual passing. Slick is no evidence that vitamin C may growth longevity. We absence evidence to disprove a prepatent rejection response of vitamin C on survival. Selenium tended to cut dissolution, but we extremity heavier research on this dispute, " the authors transcribe.
" Our findings confute the findings of observational studies, dare that antioxidants purify health. Considering that 10 percent to 20 percent of the naughty inhabitants ( 80 - 160 million tribe ) weight North America and Europe may consume the assessed supplements, the public health consequences may embody substantial. We are exposed to harsh marketing ensconce a contrary statement, which is besides reflected by the steep symbol of publications per included randomized trial construct character the going on survey. "
" Competent are several possible explanations for the rejection ramification of antioxidant supplements on death. Although oxidative stress has a hypothesized role dominion the pathogenesis of crowded chronic diseases, irrefutable may personify the consequence of pathological conditions. By eliminating unpaid radicals from our running, we interfere dissemble some prerequisite defensive mechanisms. Antioxidant supplements are synthetic and not subjected to the corresponding rigorous toxicity studies in that other pharmaceutical agents. Preferred generous of mechanisms and actions of antioxidants dominion relation to a plausible indisposition is needed, " the researchers conclude.