In a recent article from the Journal of the American Medical Association Here they found that antioxidant supplements such as beta carotene, Vitamin A and Vitamin E may increase the risk of death. The research pooled the data from 68 previous studies. This was published in the February 28th issue of the JAMA. These findings contradict previous studies suggesting that these antioxidants could prevent disease.

Many people take antioxidant supplements thinking that will improve their health and make them live longer. These researchers have looked at previous studies to examine the effects of antioxidant supplements including beta carotene, Vitamins A, E, C and Selenium. They looked at all causes of death. They classified each trial depending on the quality of the study and the risk of bias. They found in the 47 low-bias trials involving 180,938 participants that the antioxidant supplements were associated with a 5% increased risk of mortality. In the low-bias trials use of beta carotene, Vitamin A and E was associated with 7%, 16% and 4% respective increased risk of mortality.

They found no increased mortality risk associated with Vitamin C or Selenium. That said, there was no evidence that Vitamin C increased life expectancy. The suggestion was though that Selenium may tend to reduce mortality but further research is required.

These are important findings as between 10-20% of the adult population in many Western countries take vitamin supplements. Whilst vitamins are essential for normal functioning it appears that supplementation may in fact be dangerous. There are of course examples where vitamins have been shown to prevent disease such as the strong evidence that pregnant women need 400 micrograms of folic acid per day to reduce the chances of having children with spina bifida. They also require extra iron.

The reason there would be an increase mortality with these supplements is uncertain. There is a suggestion that "oxidative stress" has a role in development of some chronic diseases. By removing free radicals from ourselves we may interfere with some essential defensive mechanisms. Note also that these antioxidants were synthetic supplements. Toxicity studies on such supplements may not always be as good as those for regular pharmaceuticals.

The important take-home message is that a healthy diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables is very rich in antioxidants and has other health giving properties. People should avoid taking large doses of antioxidants but should also discuss this with their doctor for specific advice.

More on Health and Wellness:
Health and Wellness - The QOH Wellness Program