Long-term Beta Carotene Supplement use may preserve memory

According to a new study that looked at the effects of beta-carotene supplements on the cognitive abilities in nearly 6000 men over an average of 18 years, long term use of beta-carotene supplements may preserve memory and other thinking skills.


However, it was stressed in an accompanying editorial, that other studies into beta-carotene supplements had shown contrasting results. One study has suggested potential harm from taking beta-carotene in pill form.


Source : "A Randomized Trial of Beta Carotene Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Men: The Physicians' Health Study II" Arch Intern Med. 2007;167(20):2184-2190.

Vitamin supplements may not protect your heart

Some previous researches have found viatmin C, E and beta carotene linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but a new study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine casts doubt on these findings.

The latest study involved 8000 women who have a history of cardiovascular disease, randomly assigned to 2 groups : one taking vitamin alone or in combination and one a placebo over 9 years. The results showed that the antioxidants, either alone or in combination had no effect on reducing the risk of heart disease or death in high-risk women.

Some experts suggested that the form of vitamin in over-the-counter dietry supplements may be different from the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables and recommended that lifestyle change with healthy diet and regular exercises is the key to prevent heart disease.

Read the abstract - "A Randomized Factorial Trial of Vitamins C and E and Beta Carotene in the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Women - Results From the Women's Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study " Arch Intern Med. 2007;167 (15):1610-1618. 13-27 August.