Discouraging News About Antioxidants And Women
Published by Jeremy Stillman August 14th, 2007 in Health.
Vitamins C and E and beta carotene, either individually or in combination, do not appear to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events or death among women at high risk for heart disease, according to a report in the August 13/27 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Oxidative damage—harm to cells caused by exposure to oxygen—may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, according to background information in the article. In addition, compounds known as free radicals may damage artery linings, encourage blood clots and alter the function of blood vessels. “Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and limit the damage they can cause,” the authors write. “Diets high in fruit and vegetable intake, and thus rich in such antioxidants, have been associated with reduced rates of coronary heart disease and stroke. Vitamins C and E and beta carotene are potential mediators of the apparent protective effect of a plant-based diet on cardiovascular disease.”
Nancy R. Cook, Sc.D., of Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, and colleagues tested the effects of these compounds in the Women’s Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study, which followed 8,171 women 40 years or older (average age 60.6) beginning in 1995 to 1996. The women, who either had a history of cardiovascular disease or three or more risk factors, were randomly assigned to take 500 milligrams of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or placebo every day; 600 international units of vitamin E or placebo every other day; and 50 milligrams of beta carotene or placebo every other day. Participants were followed up for the occurrence of heart events (including stroke, heart attack and bypass surgery) or death through 2005.
During the average study period of 9.4 years, 1,450 women had one or more cardiovascular events, including 274 heart attacks, 298 strokes, 889 coronary revascularization procedures (bypass surgery or angioplasty) and 395 cardiovascular deaths (out of a total 995 deaths). “There was no overall effect of ascorbic acid, vitamin E or beta carotene on the primary combined end point or on the individual secondary outcomes of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization or cardiovascular disease death,” the authors write. “There were no significant interactions between agents for the primary end point, but those randomized to both active ascorbic acid and vitamin E experienced fewer strokes.”
No additional adverse effects were observed for those taking active pills vs. placebo, with the exception of a small increase in reports of upset stomach among those taking active beta carotene.
“Overall, we found no benefit on the primary combined end point for any of the antioxidant agents tested, alone or in combination,” the authors conclude. “We also found no evidence for harm. While additional research into combinations of agents, particularly for stroke, may be of interest, widespread use of these individual agents for cardiovascular protection does not appear warranted.”
Source: American Medical Association (AMA)
It seems many of these women already had heart disease indiccators present. The study maybe not about prevention, but treatment. If this is the case these levels of supplementtion are too low. We also do not know the form of the vitamin or quality prescribed. The last study like this I checked on with the researcher has used Vitamin E acetate DL, a synthetic form wiith only 50 active isomer. Secondly vitamin c is best prescribed in a complex with a high percentage of bioflavinoids as it occurs in nature. Third beta carotene is too low at this prescibed level, and not all people are able to convert it to the active form, wihich therapeutically utilizable. Fourth, these patients wrere given only 1 of the anti- oxidants, not all three as would be appropriate. Single nutrients do not a treatment regimen make. Fifth, in real
like vitamins along with diet changes, exercise programs, and body mind relaxation exercies are a regimine prescribed by practitionrs who actually work with patients with cardivascular risk tendencies.
A. Bruce Boraas ND