29 June 2012
According to a new Iranian study, vitamin C and E supplements may protect against increased oxidative stress in women taking oral contraceptives.
In the randomized controlled trial that lasted four weeks, 120 healthy women were divided into three groups: those taking contraceptives only (0.03 mg ethinylestradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel), those taking contra-ceptives plus vitamin C and E supplements (150mg and 200 IU respectively), and those taking a placebo (1). An analysis of blood samples showed that participants who only took contraceptives experienced increased levels of a marker of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde), while antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) decreased. Taking additional supplements of vitamins C and E significantly increased enzyme activity and reduced plasma levels of the oxidative stress marker.
The researchers commented that low-dose oral contraceptives may potentially present a cardiovascular risk by enhancing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The use of vitamins E and C may therefore be bene-ficial in reducing this side effect of oral contraceptives. However, larger intervention studies would be necessary to confirm these results.
25 April 2014
Several newly-released meta-analyses suggest that there is not enough clear evidence of health effects of vitamin D preparations – such as maintaining bone health and reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases. Experts describe these conclusions as inadmissible and refer to the sufficiently documented need for a reasonable supply of vitamin D, which is essential for many bodily functions.
8 August 2012
Older adults with low of vitamin D – especially those who are frail – may have a greatly increased risk of death, a new US study suggests.
27 March 2012
According to a new literature review, supplements containing antioxidants have no significant effect in reducing mortality of healthy individuals and patients.
