In another example of science raining on a popular parade, two more studies have found that taking supplements of beta carotene and other compounds found in food do not lower the chance of chest pain or premature death.
In one of these studies, researchers from Finland and the United States compared two groups of elderly male smokers, one of which took supplements of Vitamin E and beta carotene. They found that beta carotene had no preventive effect on chest pain. Taking supplements of Vitamin E was linked with a minor decrease in chest pain, but researchers concluded this decrease was too small to have public health significance.Similiarly, the other study of 1,720 men and women in three states found no link between beta carotene supplements and reduced mortality from heart disease or other causes. They did find that higher concentrations of beta carotene in the blood was linked with lower mortality rates, leading to the conclusion that these high concentrations are probably a "marker" for other beneficial dietary or lifestyle influences.
- Alison Bass