It is estimated that 80 to 160 million adults take antioxidants in the form of Vitamin A, E and beta-carotene. The premise is that antioxidants will prevent cellular damage from environmental sources maintain their health and thus lead to a longer life.

A new study published in the February 28, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association conducted by the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group at Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark concluded that not only were there no health benefits from taking beta carotene and vitamins A and E supplements, but these antioxidants increased the risk of all-cause death.

• Dr. Christian Gluud, M.D., Med.Sci., Head of Department at the Copenhagen Trial Unit at Copenhagen University Hospital and study’s senior author