Effects of antioxidants on vascular health

Substantial in vitro and animal model evidence implicates the free radical- mediated oxidation of low density lipoprotein and its subsequent preferenti al uptake by macrophages in the arterial intima as an important factor in t he development of vascular disease. In addition, antioxidants which prevent the oxidation of LDL in vitro also reduce the severity of vascular disease in animal models. Although some epidemiological studies also suggest that inadequate antioxidant status is related to the development of vascular dis ease, particularly cardiovascular disease, results from intervention trials have been contradictory. Whereas vitamin E may have a role in reducing the incidence of vascular disease, evidence is less strong for vitamin C, flav onoids and p-carotene. Additionally, supplementation with some antioxidants such as p-carotene may increase the incidence of cancer in high risk group s. Although increasing antioxidant intake is generally beneficial for healt h, this should perhaps be achieved by an increased dietary intake of antiox idant-rich foods rather than by use of supplements.