As tempting as it may sound to jump on the bandwagon, current medical findings indicates that the risks may outweigh the benefits involving supplemental antioxidants. Researchers wrote, “Our findings contradict the findings of observational studies claiming that antioxidants improve health” (McVicar, 2007, p. 1). The observational studies data stated that antioxidants were beneficial and encouraged the supplementation as an additive to anything else you would do in your life to stay healthy. As a result, antioxidant supplements have become a multi-billion dollar business.
References: Antioxidant reality check: Mother Nature is the best packager of these much-heralded nutrients. (2007, September). Consumer Reports on Health, Retrieved April25, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database. Digitale, E. (n.d.). Benefits of Antioxidants Reassessed. Oregonian, The (Portland, OR), Retrieved April 25, 2009, from Newspaper Source database. McVicar, N. (2007, February 27). Caution urged in use of antioxidant supplements. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Retrieved April 25, 2009, from Newspaper Source database. Stein, R. (n.d.). Antioxidant Supplements Don 't Extend Life Span, Study Finds. Washington Post, The, Retrieved April 25, 2009, from Newspaper Source database.