Antioxidants Won't Extend Your Life, May Increase Mortality.

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 separate studies were too diverse to pool together. (XINHUA online)

***** So all of you pill-poppers who spend a fortune on capsules and tablets to 'improve' your quality of life, get real. There is no shortcut to good health which simply means a moderate lifestyle, balanced diet, adequate exercise and a positive mental outlook. Don't think that by buying a few hundred ringgit worth of pills and swallowing them regularly you can escape the ravages of age and illness without taking the necessary precautions.

So instead of wasting your money, get yourselves enrolled and actively participate in an exercise programme, eat wisely and make sure you get an annual medical examination done.
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