The use of antioxidant supplements for the promotion of health remains controversial. What is not disputed is the role of antioxidants in preventing chronic disease.

Excessive production of free radicals, which contain an odd number of electrons and therefore chemically react to lose or gain an electron, stimulates the release of inflammatory mediators and is a contributory factor in the development of heart disease. Hypertension, elevated blood sugar, elevated levels of free fatty acids in blood and smoking all increase the body’s exposure to free radicals. Antioxidants manage free radicals, theoretically then increasing antioxidant consumption will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Clinical trials such as the Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study and the Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study have reported that the administration of antioxidants reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. A new study has found that long term use of an antioxidant supplement containing vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium is associated with improved cardiac artery function, an increase in HDL ("good”) cholesterol, a decrease in blood pressure, and an improvement in fat and sugar metabolism. 

70 patients were randomly assigned to receive daily oral supplementation with vitamin C (1000 mg/day), vitamin E (400 i.u/day), coenzyme Q10 (120 mg/day) and selenium (200 mcg/day) or placebo for six months. The authors concluded that the study "demonstrates that antioxidant supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium significantly increased large and small artery elasticity in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.”

There is some concern over the safety of antioxidant supplements. Isolated alpha-tocopherol (one of eight vitamin E compounds) supplements have been associated with a small increase in all-cause mortality but there is no evidence that intakes up to 800IU are in any way detrimental. Smokers are advised not to supplement with beta-carotene. However combination antioxidant supplements at doses within upper safe limits can contribute significantly to a health optimisation regime.

Antioxidant rich foods include green leafy vegetables, berries, tea, dark chocolate, prunes and red grapes, all of which should be consumed in abundance.

Click here to view the study abstract.