Antioxidants Little Help for Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention in Women

Women with heart disease or with an increased risk for it receive little benefit from antioxidants, according to a long-term study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Researchers randomized almost 8200 women aged 40 and older with a history of cardiovascular disease or at least three risk factors to receive supplements of vitamin C, E, beta carotene, or placebo. The study's design allowed testing of the supplements' individual effects as well as any interactions with each other.
After a mean follow-up of roughly 9 years, the primary endpoint — a composite of MI, stroke, revascularization, or death from cardiovascular disease — was no less frequent among recipients of the individual or combined antioxidants. A marginal benefit against stroke was seen in patients taking vitamins C and E in combination.
The researchers conclude that "while additional research into combinations of agents, particularly for stroke, may be of interest, widespread use of these individual agents for cardiovascular protection does not appear warranted."