Antioxidant Vitamins May Reduce Death Risks

Antioxidants are compounds that are capable of neutralizing free radical damage in cells, and may help to  prevent oxidative-stress related diseases.  Researchers involved in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Heidelberg) analyzed data collected on 23,943 participants without pre-existing cancer and myocardial infarction/stroke at baseline, with vitamin/mineral supplementation assessed at baseline and during follow-up. After an average follow-up time of 11 years, 1,101 deaths were documented (cancer deaths = 513 and cardiovascular deaths = 264). The team observed that subjects who consumed antioxidant vitamin supplements had a significantly reduced risk of cancer mortality, as well as all-cause mortality. The researchers submit that:  “This cohort study suggests that supplementation of antioxidant vitamins might possibly reduce cancer and all-cause mortality.”