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I surprisingly found that vitamin A in a form of Beta-Carotene was taken out of my high-potency multi-vitamin. So I bought separately a beta carotene supplement to complement the Acetate form of vitamin A. I dropped it off my supplements list after reading some studies about beta-carotene. There is a good research suggesting that this vitamin-like substance could lower the risk of cancer and possibly other diseases. And there is no evidence of adverse effects: the worst thing large amounts of beta carotene could do, it seems, is turn your skin slightly orange so you have kind of natural tanned look, which is harmless. This brings us back to the complicated world of antioxidants, which includes beta carotene, as well as vitamins C and E, other carotenoids, and many other phytochemicals (plant chemicals). Antioxidants help deactivate free radicals, unstable molecules that are by-products of cells "burning" oxygen for energy. Free radicals can damage the basic structure of cells and thus lead to chronic diseases (notably cancer and heart disease) and accelerate the aging process. Plants are vital sources of antioxidants for humans and other animals. In addition, hundreds of dietary supplements now trumpet the antioxidants they contain. There are many types of antioxidants, and they do different kinds of work. What marketers of supplements never tell you is that not all of it is good work. Antioxidants can certainly deactivate free radicals in a test tube, but in the human body they can sometimes have the opposite effect—acting as prooxidants instead of antioxidants. A few large studies have recently been published stating that beta- carotene is not effective in reducing lung cancer in smokers. A widely publicized Finnish study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association followed 29,000 male smokers for 5-8 years. Of those taking beta carotene supplements, 18% more developed lung cancer than those not taking the pills. Another trial, the CARET study looked at 18,000 men and women who smoked heavily or were exposed to asbestos. Although this study was not completed, researchers found 28% more lung cancer in those taking the beta- carotene - Vitamin A combination. In a third study, the Physicians' Health Study at Harvard, 22,000 male physicians were given beta- carotene for 12 years. Their findings showed no benefit or harm from beta-carotene. The nutrients and other healthful compounds in foods work in a fine balance, which scientists are only beginning to understand. There's also a delicate balance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. It’s a good idea whenever possible to get as much antioxidants from your food and complement with supplements that work cohesevley with each other. If you smoke or are a former smoker or a heavy drinker, beta carotene pills could do more harm than good for you so it’s best to stay away from them (and check that it's not included in your multi-vitamin). Eat lots of vegetables. Even if you don't smoke, it's better to get beta carotene from food like carrots, spinach, and cantaloupe, than from pills. There has never been any evidence that the beta carotene in foods poses any danger, perhaps because it comes with many other plant chemicals that all work together. In fact, virtually every study shows that foods rich in beta carotene help keep people healthy—and even reduce the risk of lung cancer. Follow at least to the basic shield protection of the Anti-Aging Fitness Program. The supplements we recommend are 2000 mg vitamin C and 800 mg vitamin E and a high-potency multivitamin/mineral (which contains 400 micrograms of folic acid). Few people get that much C from their diet; it's nearly impossible to get that much E from food. A large body of evidence indicates that these doses of C and E are not only safe, but also likely to help keep you healthy. Make sure you take C and E, not just one of them, since they work together and protect each other from oxidation.
Article Source: http://www.bodyformind.com/db
Dov Oshri is the author of the revolutionary Anti-Aging Fitness Program "Change Your Body and Be Admired". He is the chief editor of Body for Mind – a Wellness Lifestyle for Successful People. His cutting edge Anti-Aging Fitness Program can be downloaded for FREE at www.bodyformind.com
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