Antioxidant Problems

The April 29, 2008 "Science Times" of the New York Times states, " A review of 67 randomized trials of antioxidant supplements has found no evidence that they prolong life, and strong evidence that they might shorten it." These trials were done with vitamin A, beta carotene, and vitamin E. But the trials with vitamin C and selenium had no discernible effect.

I personally believe, from my own experience, that vitamin A and beta carotene require large amounts of zinc, chloride, and potassium for their metabolism. Because of this, large amounts of the supplements of vitamin A or beta carotene drain the system of those minerals, thus weakening the immune defense system which requires these minerals. I have also taken alpha lipoic acid, which is also an antioxidant and lowers blood sugar. It requires large amounts of potassium, chloride, and magnesium for its metabolism.

Studies on these antioxidants need to concentrate on the minerals that are required for the metabolism or utilization of them.