Unexpected failure of antioxidant clinical trials
Wierzba, T.H.
Kardiologia Polska 63(4 Suppl 2: S472-S482
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-9032 PMID: 20527403 Document Number: 586308
Data from a variety of experimental studies suggesting benefits of the antioxidant supplementation were confronted with those from clinical trials and large metaanalyses which have failed to prove those benefits. Major directions of the biological effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants were specified. In particular, plausible mechanisms through antioxidants may disturb physiological functions were discussed. The regulatory aspects of ROS potency, and the ways antioxidants may disturb homeostasis were taken particularly into account. Directions of prospective research towards practical use of antioxidants were suggested.