Taking certain vitamin supplements may adversely affect people's lifespan, researchers have suggested.
Millions worldwide use antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene.
Looking at dozens of previous studies, Copenhagen University researchers suggested these appeared to raise, not lower, the risk of early death.
A supplements industry expert said the Journal of the American Medical Association study was fatally flawed.
But nutritionists said it reinforced the need to eat a balanced diet, rather than relying on supplements.
While vitamin supplements have been popular for decades, the precise benefits they offer - if any - remain uncertain, despite hundreds of research projects.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6399773.stm
Vitamins 'could shorten lifespan'
Posted by AregM
Taking certain vitamin supplements may adversely affect people's lifespan, researchers have suggested. Millions worldwide use antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene. Looking at dozens of previous studies, Copenhagen University researchers suggested these appeared to raise, not lower, the risk of early death. A supplements industry expert said the Journal of the American Medical Association study was fatally flawed. But nutritionists said it reinforced the need to eat a balanced diet, rather than relying on supplements. While vitamin supplements have been popular for decades, the precise benefits they offer - if any - remain uncertain, despite hundreds of research projects. ....Continued on http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6399773.stm