A RCT OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS AND MINERALS
This was a relatively simple approach to affecting long term health and at least is a little more representative of a natural approach (low doses of Vit C, E, selenium, beta carotene and zinc).
This study found a very strong protective effect in men for any cause of death. This protective effect was not found in women, however. The authors suggest a reduced levels of pre-trial antioxidant status in men to explain the difference. I might add another angle–most of the women in this study were pre-menopausal. These women would generally have less iron due to loss of blood during the menstrual cycle. Iron has the capacity to be a pro-oxidant in higher levels. This may be a factor that contributed to the differences. It would be easy to check–just stratify the group into pre- and post-menopausal women. Regardless, this is a very, very cheap and simple protective mechanism for preventing chronic disease.
Arch Intern Med — Abstract: The SU.VI.MAX Study: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of the Health Effects of Antioxidant.
