Safety of Antioxidant Vitamins

doi:10.1001/archinte.1996.00440090015002

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Vol. 156 No. 9, 13 MAY 1996

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Safety of Antioxidant Vitamins

David G. Meyers, MD; Pierre A. Maloley, PharmD; David Weeks, PharmD

Arch Intern Med. 1996;156(9):925-935.

Abstract

As a result of the many scientific and popular press reportsof the benefits of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, beta-carotene,vitamin E, and ascorbic acid), it is estimated that 40% of theUS population is consuming vitamin supplements. The efficacyof these supplements is not yet proved, and some have questionedtheir safety. Approximately 10 to 15 cases of vitamin A toxicreactions are reported per year in the United States, usuallyat doses greater than 100 000 IU/d. No adverse effects havebeen reported for beta-carotene. The frequency of vitamin Etoxic reactions is not well delineated, but case reports arefew at dosages less than 3200 mg/d. Ascorbic acid toxic reactionsare rare at dosages less than 4 g/d. Despite a lack of clinicaltrial data, it seems that antioxidant vitamins are safe, althoughprudence might dictate their avoidance by women of childbearingpotential, persons with liver disease or renal dysfunction,and those taking certain medications or undergoing specificlaboratory tests.

(Arch Intern Med. 1996;156:925-935)

Author Affiliations

From the Departments of Internal Medicine and Preventative Medicine, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City (Dr Meyers); and Departments of Pharmacy Practice (Dr Maloley), Internal Medicine (Dr Maloley), and Pharmaceutical Services (Dr Weeks), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha.

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