BEIJING — Fear of mortality is one reason Americans spend so much on “antioxidant” products, including Vitamin C supplements and beta-carotene, which promise a longer healthier life. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than half of adults in the U.S. consume some kind of antioxidant product, spending $37 billion each year.
But a study conducted in China – where aging is akin to a national obsession these days – claims that antioxidants don’t work as billed. The study is published in the journal Redox Biology.
Rather than extending longevity, researchers say they trigger a stress reaction which causes the body to age more rapidly.
In other words, those expensive life-enhancers may actually be killing you.
Researchers discovered the relationship by studying how oxidants affected worms and human cells at various stages of development. Oxidants, it turned out, had no measurable impact on aging.
But introducing antioxidants disturbed the mechanism in cells that resists aging and as a result, the cells began aging more rapidly — “unnaturally fast,” said Chen Chang, the lead scientist on the project at the Institute of Biophysics, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.
Chang and her team are especially concerned about their findings because of the widespread use of antioxidants among Chinese youth. “More and more ‘white collar workers’ in their 20s are taking pills containing antioxidants such as Vitamin C and tea polyphenols. They must stop,” Chang told the South China Morning Post.
But older people are also more likely to die faster due to supplements, they found. Chang recommended that antioxidant use in China and elsewhere be curtailed.
The Chinese study appears to confirm the results of a 2008 “meta-review” of 405 studies comparing the longevity of people that consumed various kinds of vitamin supplements with those that took only a placebo. That review, conducted by top medical researchers in Denmark, found no significant differences in the mortality rates of the two groups.
So far, none of these new studies has put a dent in the multi-billion dollar vitamin and supplement industry, which continues to promote the presumed anti-aging benefits of its products.
And there is little evidence that consumers are paying attention, either – or if they are, that they care.
But the evidence against antioxidants is mounting.
Another medical study conducted last year found that overuse of Vitamin D supplements was associated with a higher risk of falls in men and in women 70 years and older.
Apparently, Nature is sending a message: Stop trying to reset your biological clock.
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We are all going to die. Get over it.
No drugs (including stupid pot), no smoking, clean water, moderation and your genes will be in control of the clock. Optimism, and perspective rule the day.
First, science tells us that antioxidants are critical to good health, now science tells us that antioxidants are killing us. If the scientific community can ever get its stuff together, I’ll start listening. Until then I’ll consider articles like this just another op-ed.
You know, maybe people in China are just dying faster. I’m thinking of the smog-engulfed cities. I’m thinking of the vast pollution of fresh water sources in China. I’m thinking of the vast pollution of agricultural soils with heavy metal run-off from Chinese industry. I’m thinking of the unbelievable pollution of the ocean waters off the coasts of China.
Yeah, it makes sense that people are just dying faster.
To the study operators: Thanks for the help. Your check is in the mail. — The American Pharmaceutical Industry
Chicom still trying to eliminate Westerners.
How many die from big pharma drugs compared to antioxidants? hmm?
According to well placed sources, millions. All working for big pharma.
get a real job troll
China “Study: Those High-Priced Antioxidants May Be Killing You”
Translation: Antioxidants are killing the profits of pharmaceutical companies.
Interesting that this study was done in China where they have an (aging) population problem.
I’m still looking for the ” HOLE” in the Ozone layer.
Just eat whole foods; supplements are a scam!
Eat meats, veggies, fruits, nuts, whole eggs – DUH! It’s not rocket science.
According to the National Institutes of Big Pharma. What BS. I have been taking anti oxidants since i was a teenager. I read the book “Life Extension” I am 58 and have very little grey hair or wrinkles. I can out work people in their twenties. This is drug company propaganda.
This is a advertisement for life extension, yes, they sell vitamins. Panda works for them.
I work for them really? Because I read the book when I was a kid so I work for them? You are an idiot.
You old fart. Cheers!
get a job troll
fake news troll
Coffee is full of anti oxidants. Throw away your pills. Coffee is a rich source of disease-fighting antioxidants. And studies have shown that it may reduce cavities, boost athletic performance, improve moods, and stop headaches — not to mention reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, liver cancer, gall stones, cirrhosis of the liver, and Parkinson’s diseases.May 7, 2008
If you like taking supplements I say keep on taking them because in six months someone else will release a study saying “Vitamins – Best Damn Thing You Can Do to Your Body!”
More fake news. China is full of crap.
We better stop eating fruits and vegetables which are loaded with antioxidant-rich nutrients
I noticed they never gave the amounts tested or the products tested.I have a very strong suspicion that a major drug company did this propaganda hit piece.
Big pharma fake news propaganda. There are endless studies that prove antioxidants extend life not shorten it. This article is absolute utter nonsense. But some people are gullible and will believe this nonsense and will give in to propaganda funded by big pharma. Please dont be a tool and fall victim to this fake research. People need to do their own research instead of being spooned propaganda like this.
Figure out your opinion on this subject. Search the internet to find some experts who agree with you no matter how you see this issue. Feel good about yourself because you can list some experts who agree with you. Go to bed and sleep well knowing for sure you have made the correct decision. Wait 40 years and see if you were right. Problem solved to my satisfaction! Life isn’t complicated at all. Don’t worry, be happy!!!
GMP and not made in china is what I look for!
Oh yeah, I trust the Chinese with my well being. Sure. Right.
A friend of mine, actually carries a tackle box full of various supplements with her, at all times, and has faithfully swallowed up to hundreds of pills daily, since 1980, along with running a minimum of 5 miles a day. Along with the supplements she too, has faithfully eaten only what health gurus tout as superfoods, not vegan but mostly fish, vegetables, and fruit. With all that she still gets sick, like everyone else, recently had a heart attack,and surgery, along with radiation, and chemo for cancer. So, go figure.
The healthy PH of our body ( urine – 7.2) & glucose in blood less than 90 makes the magic, not 100ds of vitamins. When our body gets over-accidated, it creates ideal environment for bacterias, viruses, candidasis & as such results in development of degenerative diseases.
Keep your urine PH & glucose in balance & you will simply avoid degenerative diseases, including cancer.
How you keep the balance – that’s a subject for a lot of reading.
Ortodox medicine will “cure” you to death with antibiotics, corticosteroids & other expensive sh…t.
Chinese study huh? …….derp.
The same people that killed my dog with their fake protein additive in alpo.