ANTIOXIDANTS AND CORONARY HEART-DISEASE

This review briefly summarizes the scientific evidence for a possible role of antioxidants in the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) . Antioxidants in our diet include vitamins E, C, and beta-carotene, w hereas selenium is an integral part of the anti oxidant enzyme glutath ione peroxidase (GSHPx). Experimental evidence suggests that free-radi cal damage and antioxidant defence may play an important role in the d evelopment of coronary heart disease. Epidemiological studies have pro duced some intriguing results, but have not indicated unequivocally th at a high intake of antioxidants leads to a decreased cardiovascular d isease risk. We conclude that the antioxidant atherosclerosis hypothes is is promising, but that the results of long-term intervention studie s are still to be awaited. Preventive action based on antioxidant supp lementation is therefore not justifiable as yet. Nevertheless, the fin dings so far certainly do support the recommendations for a varied die t rich in vegetables and fruit.