HHS HealthBeat (December 10, 2008)

Vitamins E and C

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Many adults take vitamins and have heard there are health benefits in antioxidants. But a study finds that vitamins E and C – two of the more popular antioxidants - failed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in men.

Howard Sesso of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital studied the effects of high doses of vitamins E and C on more than 14,000 men. The men were over age 50 and at low risk for cardiovascular disease.

 “Our trial, perhaps surprisingly, showed that there seems to be no benefit derived from taking these supplements.” (6 seconds)

Physicians suggest sticking to the basic formula for healthier living: stop smoking, but stay active, keep your weight under control, and eat healthy foods.

The study in the Journal of the American Medical Association was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: December, 10 2008