BEIJING, Feb.
28 (Xinhuanet) -- Antioxidant vitamins has long been regarded as
panacea to slow the aging process. But a most comprehensive study of the
popular supplements may smash the miraculous images these pills have, said
Wednesday's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
According to the analysis of separate studies on
thousands of people, no evidence was found that taking beta carotene, vitamin A
or vitamin E extends lifespan and, in fact, the supplements increase the
likelihood of dying by about 5 percent. Vitamin C and selenium appeared to have
no impact on longevity.
Based on the findings, published in the journal,
the researchers warned that consumers should be cautious about taking
supplements containing the nutrients.
"The main message is that prevention by beta
carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E cannot be recommended. These three antioxidant
supplements may increase mortality," said the study's senior author, Dr.
Christian Gluud of Copenhagen University Hospital.
Some other experts believed the study supports the
theory that antioxidants work only when they are in food rather than pills.
People tend to take vitamins to stay healthy. At
least 150 million Americans regularly take dietary supplements that often
include antioxidants.
Some experts and representatives of the vitamin
industry disputed the findings, criticizing that the seperate studies were too
diverse to pool together.
(Agencies)
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