Antioxidant vitamins may not always as good as intended, according to some researchers. A new meta-analysis of 68 randomized trials with 232 606 participants suggests that treatment with beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E may increase risk of death whereas the effect of vitamin c and selenium on the death risk remains unclear. The study published in the Feb. 28, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association has drawn immediate criticism from the Council of Responsible Nutrition which issued a statement suggesting that the analysis is inadequate because the studies used in the analysis differ greatly in terms of their designs, size and quality. The trade organization representing vitamin supplements manufacturers says in its press release that the researchers ‘misuse meta-analysis methods to create generalized conclusions that may inappropriately confuse and alarm consumers who can benefit from supplementing with antioxidants.’ The antioxidant vitamins of concern are often times marketed as dietary supplements and used by consumers in hopes to maintain their health or protect against diseases such as cancer and heart disease as these compounds can presumably help eliminate free radials (at least in a theoretical sense) that would otherwise injure […]