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December 2, 2008 6:24:38 AM CST

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Vitamins Can Kill, Warns Shocking New Study

Posted Apr 16, 08 4:10 AM CDT in Business,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – 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.

Source Daily Telegraph (UK)

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A new study says the there are no health benefits from taking vitamin supplements and some may actually cause death.   (Getty Images)
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Nutritional supplements on a megastore shelf. A new study says there's no evidence that promore health and some increased mortality up to 16%.   ((c) Clean Wal-Mart)
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antioxidants • mortality • vitamins • vitamin C • free radicals • beta carotene


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