On 4 May 2004 11:34:59 -0700, (Diarmid Logan)
wrote:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3673365.stm

Vitamins 'increase cholesterol'
snip...

"Before any clear conclusions can be drawn from this study we would
await the results of larger randomized controlled clinical trials."

Well, yeah. When will these happen?

I need to read the original article but it seems they gave these as
individual vitamins (at what dosages) in a rat model. Relevance to
humans is questionable. Relevance of using individual antioxidants
when a balanced approach is more physicologically relevant is
questionable. E.g., beta carotene along in HIV infection is worthless;
a combination in the form of a multivitamin is MUCH more efficacious.

Also, I would want to know the dosages given.

Frankly, I'd say any putative risk is outweighed by benefits. And
indeed, I cannot see ANY data in the literature that suggests that
antioxidant use increases LDL, which would be expected if their data
have any meaning to humans. To the contrary, some data suggest
improvement in HDL.

This is no better than a supplement company touting the benefits of a
nutrient or botanical based on a test tube study. It does NOT help
those of us trying to make appropriate health and treatment choices. I
have no intention whatsover of giving up my daily use of a potent
multi based on this kind of research.

George M. Carter