(Newser)
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Antioxidant vitamin supplements do not improve health or prevent disease—and may even cause death, according to new research. In a stunning blow to millions who take vitamins, a review of 67 studies involving 230,000 users showed "no convincing evidence" that antioxidants had any benefit, and linked vitamin A supplements to a 16% increase in premature death, reports the Daily Telegraph.
"People given the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E showed increased rates of mortality," said the lead researcher. Scientists theorize that some supplements may interfere with the body's natural defenses. A spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association characterized the findings as "deeply worrying," and called for more regulation of vitamin and mineral supplements.
