Are Antioxidants Bad?
Following last year’s antioxidant meta-analysis in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Cochrane Systematic Review recently republished the review with corrections. Researchers say that little evidence supports taking antioxidant supplements to reduce the risk of mortality and that vitamins A and E, along with beta carotene, may increase mortality risk.
But this review included only 9 percent of the 748 total clinical trials on antioxidants that were available, raising questions about the study’s validity. “Antioxidant supplements are certainly not meant to be magic bullets,” says Andrew Shao, PhD, vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, Council for Responsible Nutrition.
“However, when used properly, in combination with eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, not smoking, etc., antioxidant supplements can play an important role in maintaining and promoting overall health,” says Shao.
The bottom line: Unless your blood test shows that you are deficient in certain vitamins and or minerals, there is no reason to take supplements. The best way to get all antioxidants you need is to follow a balanced diet. [source: Taste for Life]
Possibly related
RSS Feed