I was surprised when I viewed a CNN headline last night : Study: Vitamins may shorten life, do us no good and may be harmful .

There is "no convincing evidence" that antioxidant supplements cut the risk of dying prematurely and some of the commonest ones may increase the risk of early death, according to the review, published by The Cochrane Collaboration. It involved trials on beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium.

The experts said the studies involved different doses of each antioxidant. A total of 232,550 people were involved.

"Antioxidants are not meant to be magic bullets and should not be expected to undo a lifetime of unhealthy habits," Holford said.

"But when used properly, in combination with eating a healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables, getting plenty of exercise and not smoking, antioxidant supplements can play an important role in maintaining and promoting overall health."

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