the ncsf's newsletter had the following research summary:
Long-Term Antioxidant Supplementation and Health-Related Quality of Life
New research implemented by a group of French universities and published in the journal Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation examined the potential effects of long-term antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The perceived benefits of antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation on health and performance have been aggressively researched, but still remains one of the most controversial issues in human nutrition. Antioxidants are known to prevent the potentially damaging actions of free radicals by removing their unpaired electrons and converting them into less reactive compounds; thus reducing their potential for damaging numerous bodily structures such as cellular membranes, protein structures, and even DNA. It has remained unclear however if supplementation can improve tangible components of health or fitness (if there is no present deficiency) within the general population. The objective of the current study was to strictly examine their effects on HRQoLs in a sample of healthy French adults. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial involved participation of 8,112 subjects over a 76.0 +/- 4.2 month (approximately 6-6.5 years) period. The participants received a daily single-does capsule containing either placebo or vitamin C (120mg), vitamin E (30mg), beta-carotene (6mg), selenium (100µg) and zinc (20mg). Vitamins E, C and beta-carotene are known to act as scavengers of free radicals within the body while selenium and zinc can have specific immuno-regulatory functions. The participants also completed comprehensive HRQoL questionnaires (addressing physical and mental dimensions) at baseline and at the end of the trial period. Overall, questionnaire scores for physical dimensions tended to decrease over time while mental dimensions tended to improve; but no significant differences were observed between those who actually received the placebo and those who received the antioxidant supplementation. The placebo effect was demonstrated once again however as the male participants who believed they had received a placebo capsule has lower HRQoL scores than those who thought they received the antioxidant supplement related to bodily pain (-3.3), general health (-2.2), vitality (1.6), and the physical component summary score (-1.1); while women who believed they had received a placebo also had lower scores related to social functioning (-2.3), general health (-1.4), and the physical component summary score (-0.7). Considering the results, it appears that long-term supplementation with antioxidant vitamins and minerals have no beneficial effects on HRQoLs in the examined population. This is certainly contrary to the common claims and perceptions surround antioxidant supplementation as illustrated by the addition of dietary antioxidant compounds to many food products (e.g. fruit snacks designed for kids) in an effort to increase sales through the associated health claims that are permissible (according to current nutrition labeling laws) for display.
Long-Term Antioxidant Supplementation and Health-Related Quality of Life
New research implemented by a group of French universities and published in the journal Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation examined the potential effects of long-term antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The perceived benefits of antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation on health and performance have been aggressively researched, but still remains one of the most controversial issues in human nutrition. Antioxidants are known to prevent the potentially damaging actions of free radicals by removing their unpaired electrons and converting them into less reactive compounds; thus reducing their potential for damaging numerous bodily structures such as cellular membranes, protein structures, and even DNA. It has remained unclear however if supplementation can improve tangible components of health or fitness (if there is no present deficiency) within the general population. The objective of the current study was to strictly examine their effects on HRQoLs in a sample of healthy French adults. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial involved participation of 8,112 subjects over a 76.0 +/- 4.2 month (approximately 6-6.5 years) period. The participants received a daily single-does capsule containing either placebo or vitamin C (120mg), vitamin E (30mg), beta-carotene (6mg), selenium (100µg) and zinc (20mg). Vitamins E, C and beta-carotene are known to act as scavengers of free radicals within the body while selenium and zinc can have specific immuno-regulatory functions. The participants also completed comprehensive HRQoL questionnaires (addressing physical and mental dimensions) at baseline and at the end of the trial period. Overall, questionnaire scores for physical dimensions tended to decrease over time while mental dimensions tended to improve; but no significant differences were observed between those who actually received the placebo and those who received the antioxidant supplementation. The placebo effect was demonstrated once again however as the male participants who believed they had received a placebo capsule has lower HRQoL scores than those who thought they received the antioxidant supplement related to bodily pain (-3.3), general health (-2.2), vitality (1.6), and the physical component summary score (-1.1); while women who believed they had received a placebo also had lower scores related to social functioning (-2.3), general health (-1.4), and the physical component summary score (-0.7). Considering the results, it appears that long-term supplementation with antioxidant vitamins and minerals have no beneficial effects on HRQoLs in the examined population. This is certainly contrary to the common claims and perceptions surround antioxidant supplementation as illustrated by the addition of dietary antioxidant compounds to many food products (e.g. fruit snacks designed for kids) in an effort to increase sales through the associated health claims that are permissible (according to current nutrition labeling laws) for display.