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.”
Antioxidant Vitamins May Reduce Death Risks
People who take antioxidant vitamin supplements may be at reduced risk of death due to cancer, as well as reduced risk of premature death in-general.
Kuanrong Li, Rudolf Kaaks, Jakob Linseisen, Sabine Rohrmann. “Vitamin/mineral supplementation and cancer, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality in a German prospective cohort (EPIC-Heidelberg).” Eur J Nutrition, 21 July 2011.
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