vitamin supplements may shorten lifespan

[RRM]

From http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6399773.stm

Millions worldwide use antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene.

Looking at dozens of previous research studies, Copenhagen University researchers suggested these appeared to raise, not lower, the risk of death.

...

While the risk of death was unchanged among selenium and vitamin C users, a statistically significant increase in risk emerged for the other three supplements.

Beta-carotene produced an approximate 7% increased risk, vitamin E a 4% increase and vitamin A a 16% increase.

For more information about the specific effects that supplementary beta-carotene, vitamin E and A may have:
www.3.waisays.com
Regarding vitamin A, also check this thread.

[Oscar]

Interesting!

[dionysus]

I saw this. Always was sceptical.

[Mr. PC]

I'm not seeing anything about doses; I can understand that unnaturally high doses would shorten lifespan, but how could taking moderate doses (half the RDA for each nutrient, and less for calcium) reduce people's life spans?

Ann Walker pointed out they used some terminally ill patients in the study, but I don't see a link to the actually study to verify. Of course, she works for a vitamin company...