Supplemental Antioxidants: A Hype in Disease Prevention

Supplemental antioxidants are being prescribed by medical practitioners without considering its ill effects at higher doses. Antioxidants dosing has not been standardized and optimum or recommended daily dose is inconsistent too. Literature and Cochrane database search for review and meta analysis for efficacy of preventing and treating chronic disorders like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, infertility etc shows inconclusive or negative results. Despite lack of evidence these drugs are rampantly being prescribed without any specific indication. Antioxidants are extensively being marketed too and their over the counter availability is again is the reason for its inappropriate use by consumers. Need is to practice evidence based medicine, define recommended daily doses with upper intake levels and antioxidants should be prescribed only in profound deficiency states.