Are Supplements Good for You or Not?

The medical research establishment lobbed another sinker into the health news world this week by claiming that consumption of antioxidant supplements won’t make you healthier, but in fact might make you die sooner.
 
The report came from Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark, and specifically named the three allegedly deadly antioxidants—beta carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E. However, the research was not based on any new studies but a review of nearly 70 previous studies on vitamin and antioxidant consumption. The study also does not explain why these antioxidants appear to increase mortality.
 
Of course, this has caused an uproar from many in the natural health community. Some argue that the researchers failed to do their jobs, and only reviewed 9% of over 800 studies done on antioxidants. At the same time, vitamins, at least in the U.S., go largely unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and if they don’t contribute to a healthier lifestyle or extend your life then these researchers have a right to challenge that belief.
 
Will you stop taking these supplements as a result of this study? [The Guardian]