Both alpha- and beta-carotene, but not tocopherols and vitamin C, are inversely related to 15-year cardiovascular mortality in Dutch elderly men.

Buijsse B, Feskens EJ, Kwape L, Kok FJ, Kromhout D.

Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, 6700 EV The Netherlands.

The role of beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, and vitamin C in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is controversial. Prospective studies on gamma-tocopherol and carotenoids other than beta-carotene are sparse. We assessed relations between the intake of different [...]

Beta-carotene linked to reduced mortality risk in the elderly

In a study of adults followed for 10 years, those with higher plasma beta-carotene concentrations had a lower overall risk of death, and a lower risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease specifically.

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers have demonstrated an association between plasma carotene levels and lower [...]

Higher antioxidant intakes reduce risk of lung cancer in male smokers

In contrast to previous studies concluding that high-dose beta-carotene supplementation may increase lung cancer risk in male smokers, findings from a Yale study support the hypothesis that a combination of dietary antioxidants reduces lung cancer risk in men who smoke.

In some observational studies, a high intake of individual antioxidants was related to increased lung cancer [...]

Beta-carotene supplementation long-term may delay mental decline

According to a study from Harvard, men who supplement with beta-carotene long-term may experience a slower rate of age- related cognitive decline.In a newly published study, researchers tested the cognitive function of participants in the Physicians’ Health Study II (PHSII), a continuation of the Physicians’ Health Study (PHS) trial looking at the effects of beta-carotene [...]

Macular degeneration risk is reduced in adults with high intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in developed countries. This degenerative eye disease causes damage to the macula (central retina) of the eye, impairing central vision. People affected by Age-Related Macular Degeneration have difficulty reading, driving and performing activities that require clear central vision.

A report published in the [...]