The recent updated meta-analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews can be considered a flawed study for the following reasons:
- The authors selectivly picked 67 out of 648 vitamin studies which had known medical conditions, used high doses of vitamins and had subjects which had died.
- No elimination of deaths by other causes such as medical conditions, accident, suicide or homicide were considered.
- There were too many variables such as different anti- oxidants,(some not even anti – oxidants), different doses, different populations with different health statuses, and for different durations.
There was also biased and inaccurate media reporting.
The conclusion is that:
- Healthy consumers can continue to take supplements in recommended doses.
- Consumers with serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease or liver disease should consult their doctor before taking any supplements
- Beta – carotene supplements , as is already known are best not taken singly by smokers.
- Vitamin E in high doses , should not be taken by those on cholesterol lowering medication, however Selenium and Vit C are the most likely to be beneficial.