The Latest Research Supporting the Health Benefits of Antioxidants as found in BePure ONE.

Topic:

Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins May Reduce the Risk of Cancer Mortality and All-Cause Mortality

Keywords:

CANCER, MORTALITY, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - Antioxidants, Vitamins, Minerals

Reference:

"Vitamin/mineral supplementation and cancer, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality in a German prospective cohort (EPIC-Heidelberg)," Li K, Kaaks R, et al, Eur J Nutr, 2011 July 22; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany).

Summary:

In a prospective study involving data collected from 23,943 subjects without pre-existing cancer and myocardial infarction/stroke at baseline, who were followed for an average of 11 years, during which time 1,101 deaths were documented (cancer deaths=513; cardiovascular deaths=264), baseline users of antioxidant vitamin supplements were found to have a significantly reduced risk of cancer mortality (HR=0.52) and all-cause mortality (HR=0.58). Interestingly, subjects who started taking vitamin supplements during the follow-up period had significantly increased risks of cancer mortality (HR=1.74) and all-cause mortality (HR=1.58), as compared to baseline non-users. The authors state that this finding, "may suggest a "sick-user effect," which researchers should be cautious of in future observational studies." They conclude, "Based on limited numbers of users and cases, this cohort study suggests that supplementation of antioxidant vitamins might possibly reduce cancer and all-cause mortality."

Topic:

Antioxidant Intake May Help Preserve Verbal Memory

Reference:

"French adults' cognitive performance after daily supplementation with antioxidant vitamins and minerals at nutritional doses: a post hoc analysis of the Supplementation in Vitamins and Mineral Antioxidants (SU.VI.MAX) trial," Kesse-Guyot E, Fezeu L, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2011 July 20; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Unité de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle, U557 Institut National de la Santeacute et de la Recherche Meacutedicale, France).

Summary:

In a study involving 4,447 French subjects between the ages of 45 and 60 years, who had previously participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (1994-2002) in which they received daily supplementation with vitamin C (120 mg), beta-carotene (6 mg), vitamin E (30 mg), selenium (100 microg), and zinc (20 mg), or a placebo, cognitive performance assessments performed in 2007-2009 revealed that subjects who received antioxidant supplementation had better episodic memory scores (mean difference: 0.61), specifically verbal memory and executive functioning. Verbal memory improved only in those taking antioxidants who were nonsmokers or had low vitamin C at baseline. The authors state, "This study supports the role of an adequate antioxidant nutrient status in the preservation of verbal memory under certain conditions."

Topic:

Low Plasma Levels of Lycopene and Beta-Carotene Observed in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis

Reference:

"Carotenoids and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis," Riccioni G, Bucciarelli T, et al, J Biol Regul Homeost Agents, 2010; 24(4): 447-52. (Address: Cardiology Unit, San Camillo de Lellis Hospital, Manfredonia, Foggia, Italy).

Summary:

In a study involving 165 subjects examined for carotid atherosclerosis, results indicate that patients with carotid atherosclerosis exhibited significantly lower plasma levels of lycopene and beta-carotene, compared to subjects without carotid atherosclerosis. Of the 165 participants, 80 exhibited evidence of carotid atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness greater than 0.8 mm), while 85 did not (carotid intima-media thickness greater than 0.8 mm). Subjects with ultrasound evidence of carotid atherosclerosis showed significantly lower plasma concentrations of lycopene and beta-carotene, compared to subjects who did not exhibit ultrasound evidence of carotid atherosclerosis.. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "These results suggest that lycopene and beta-carotene may play important roles in delaying the development of the early asymptomatic stage of carotid atherosclerosis. Encouraging adequate intakes of antioxidant carotenoids may provide an important public health service."