Recent research casts doubt over the health benefits of taking vitamin supplements.
A review of 67 studies conducted by scientists at Copenhagan University found "no convincing evidence" that antioxidant supplements cut the risk of dying. Their findings also suggest that vitamins A and E could interfere with the body's natural defence mechanism.
The research involved selecting various studies from 817 on beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium which the team felt were the most likely to fairly reflect the benefits of the supplements.
It was thought that these supplements cut the number of free radicals in the body, thereby inhibiting the process of oxidative stress. This damage has been implicated in several major diseases including cancer and heart disease.
The trials subject to the review involved nearly a quarter of a million patients who were either sick or healthy and taking supplements for disease prevention.
After various other factors were considered the Copenhagen scientists concluded that vitamin A supplements resulted in 16% increased risk of dying, beta-carotene a 7% increased risk and vitamin E a 4% increased risk. Vitamin C didn't appear to have any effect and the team concluded that further investigation was required.
The Department of Health (DH) encourage people to get their vitamins from a balanced diet. A DH spokesman said: "There is a need to exercise caution in the use of high doses of purified supplements of vitamins, including antioxidant vitamins, and minerals.
"Their impact on long-term health may not have been fully established and they cannot be assumed to be without risk."
A review of 67 studies conducted by scientists at Copenhagan University found "no convincing evidence" that antioxidant supplements cut the risk of dying. Their findings also suggest that vitamins A and E could interfere with the body's natural defence mechanism.
The research involved selecting various studies from 817 on beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium which the team felt were the most likely to fairly reflect the benefits of the supplements.
It was thought that these supplements cut the number of free radicals in the body, thereby inhibiting the process of oxidative stress. This damage has been implicated in several major diseases including cancer and heart disease.
The trials subject to the review involved nearly a quarter of a million patients who were either sick or healthy and taking supplements for disease prevention.
After various other factors were considered the Copenhagen scientists concluded that vitamin A supplements resulted in 16% increased risk of dying, beta-carotene a 7% increased risk and vitamin E a 4% increased risk. Vitamin C didn't appear to have any effect and the team concluded that further investigation was required.
The Department of Health (DH) encourage people to get their vitamins from a balanced diet. A DH spokesman said: "There is a need to exercise caution in the use of high doses of purified supplements of vitamins, including antioxidant vitamins, and minerals.
"Their impact on long-term health may not have been fully established and they cannot be assumed to be without risk."
