The epidemiology of dietary antioxidants and atherosclerotic disease

Recent evidence suggests that oxidative damage, particularly to low density lipoprotein, may be involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Dietary antioxidants such as alpha tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids represent one possible defence against ocidative stress, raising the possibility that these agents may prevent or delay the development of atherosclerotic disease. A growing body of observational data suggests an inverse association between dietary intake or plasma levels of dietary antioxidants and cardiovascular disease. In addition, limited randomized trial data further suggest these agents may reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. While epidemiologic evidence supports the possibility that dietary antioxidants may play a role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, these agents represent a promising but unproven means of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.