The Canadian journal of cardiology
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To review prospective epidemiological studies and randomized clinical trials regarding the role of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins E and C and beta-carotene) in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. ⋯ Prospective epidemiological investigations suggest a reduction in cardiovascular risk associated with increased intake of antioxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin E. Randomized clinical trials remain inconclusive with regard to the role of vitamin E in cardiovascular protection. The large, randomized clinical trials of beta-carotene in primary prevention show no effect and potential for harm associated with the use of beta-carotene. There are inconclusive and insufficient epidemiological and clinical trial data with regard to the role of vitamin C in cardiovascular protection. Overall, it is recommended that wide-spread use of antioxidant vitamins in cardiovascular protection should not be instituted and should await the results of further ongoing clinical trials.