Antioxidant supplementation
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Carotenoids, vitamins C, E and selenium might protect against various diseases, but "further research is needed to clarify the benefits provided by antioxidant supplements," June McDermott, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, suggests in the November/December issue of the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association. While trials indicate high intakes of beta-carotene and vitamin C from fruits and vegetables may inversely be associated with cancer risk, research on supplements has not necessarily supported these findings. Moreover, research has not provided conclusive data showing supplementation is protective against cardiovascular risks, though it appears supplemental vitamin E may assist in the prevention of CVD. The review concludes patients should observe healthy dietary and lifestyle habits and use dietary supplements to add to, rather than substitute for, recommended antioxidant intakes