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(Best Syndication) Vitamins do not reduce the risk for cardiovascular events in women according to Massachusetts researchers, but there does not appear to be any harm done by taking them. It was believed that oxidative damage, which causes harm to cells, could contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

It has been known that free radicals damage artery linings causing blood clots and weaken blood circulation. Vitamins (anti-oxidants) can help neutralize these free-radicals. “Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and limit the damage they can cause,” the authors wrote.

Vitamins C and E and beta carotene were compared to a placebo in 8,171 women participants. All of the women were over the age of 40 (average age 60.6). The researchers divided the participants into groups.

The women, all of whom either had a history of cardiovascular disease or three or more risk factors, were randomly assigned to take 500 milligrams of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or placebo every day; 600 international units of vitamin E or placebo every other day; and 50 milligrams of beta carotene or placebo every other day.

Beginning in 1995 the participants were followed for an average of 9.4 years. The scientists monitored the occurrence of heart events (including stroke, heart attack and bypass surgery) or death through 2005.

There were 274 heart attacks, 298 strokes, 889 coronary revascularization procedures (bypass surgery or angioplasty). There were 395 deaths due to cardiovascular events out of 995 deaths total.

It may be better to get your vitamins from food. “Diets high in fruit and vegetable intake, and thus rich in such antioxidants, have been associated with reduced rates of coronary heart disease and stroke,” the authors wrote. “Vitamins C and E and beta carotene are potential mediators of the apparent protective effect of a plant-based diet on cardiovascular disease.”

“Overall, we found no benefit on the primary combined end point for any of the antioxidant agents tested, alone or in combination,” the authors conclude. “We also found no evidence for harm. While additional research into combinations of agents, particularly for stroke, may be of interest, widespread use of these individual agents for cardiovascular protection does not appear warranted.”

Nancy R. Cook, Sc.D., of Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston led the study which appears in the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

By Marsha Quinn
Best Syndication News Health Writer