A new research reveals that high doses of antioxidants cause stem cells to develop genetic abnormalities, paving the way for cancer
When people look back on the beginning of the 21st century, they might think this was the time of the antioxidants. Antioxidants supplements are being sold everywhere, usually without a doctor prescription, as a way to halt aging, heart diseases and whatever else is promised on the label. But current research, published online in the medical journal Stem Cells, reveals antioxidants also have their downside, possibly causing genetic abnormalities in cells.
The researchers attempted to counter the oxidation problem of cells growing in a Petri dish culture, by adding high doses of antioxidants directly to the cells. “That’s when we made the serendipitous discovery that there is a ‘danger zone’ for the cells exposed to antioxidants to develop genetic abnormalities that predispose to cancer.” Says Eduardo Marban, M.D., Ph.D., one of the authors of the study.
What does this actually mean for the healthcare industry (or perhaps the nutritional supplements one)? Not much… yet. The study was performed invitro, so the translation into clinical conclusions is by no means automatic. However, this study joins previous ones which showed evidence of harmful effect of antioxidants when taken in large doses. Most sane persons do not swallow more than one multivitamin pill a day, but this information might have benefit for the ’supplemental junkies’ or even athletes. Should antioxidants be monitored more carefully by the government? I’m not quite sure that’s necessary. After all, Acamol isn’t monitored in any way, and people are not prone to poisoning themselves with overdoses. All the same, if you want to learn more about the legislation of drugs (at least in Europe), there’s a seminar about the “Europe Legislation for Oncology Drugs: From Research to Market” given by Beatrice Janin Jacquat, Medican Director, Includeconsulting, Switzerland, in the ILSI-BioMed Week next month.
Source: Eurekalert
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