Antioxidant vitamin supplements and cardiovascular disease

At this time, the scientific data do not justify the use of antioxidant vitamin supplements for CVD risk reduction. This position is consistent with recommendations that have been made by the AHA in 2004 for the prevention of CVD in women as well as by the American College of Cardiology and AHA in 2002 for patients with chronic stable angina. CVD risk reduction can be achieved by the long-term consumption of diets consistent with the AHA Dietary Guidelines; the long-term maintenance of a healthy body weight through balancing energy intake with regular physical activity; and the attainment of desirable blood cholesterol and lipoprotein profiles and blood pressure levels. No consistent data suggest that consuming micronutrients at levels exceeding those provided by a dietary pattern consistent with AHA Dietary Guidelines will confer additional benefit with regard to CVD risk reduction.