02669nas a2200229 4500000000100000008004100001100001800042700001600060700001600076700001300092700001400105700001400119700001300133700001700146700001800163245014700181250001500328300001100343490000700354520203200361020004602393 2009 d1 aCzernichow S.1 aHercberg S.1 aVergnaud A.1 aGalan P.1 aArnaud J.1 aFavier A.1 aFaure H.1 aAhluwalia N.1 aHuxley Rachel00aEffects of long-term antioxidant supplementation and association of serum antioxidant concentrations with risk of metabolic syndrome in adults a2009/06/06 a329-350 v903 a

BACKGROUND: Limited observational evidence suggests lower antioxidant concentrations in individuals with the metabolic syndrome (MetS); few randomized controlled trials have addressed the effect of multiple antioxidants on the risk of MetS. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the effect of antioxidant supplementation for 7.5 y on the incidence of MetS and the epidemiologic association between baseline serum antioxidant concentrations and the prospective risk of MetS. DESIGN: Adults (n = 5220) participating in the SUpplementation en VItamines et Mineraux AntioXydants (SU.VI.MAX) primary prevention trial were randomly assigned to receive a supplement containing a combination of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, and selenium) at nutritional doses or a placebo. Subjects were free of MetS at baseline and were followed for 7.5 y. RESULTS: Antioxidant supplementation for 7.5 y did not affect the risk of MetS. Baseline serum antioxidant concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin C, however, were negatively associated with the risk of MetS; the adjusted odds ratios (and 95% CIs) for the highest compared with the lowest tertile were 0.34 (0.21, 0.53; P for trend = 0.0002) and 0.53 (0.35, 0.80; P for trend = 0.01), respectively. Baseline serum zinc concentrations were positively associated with the risk of developing MetS; the adjusted odds ratio (and 95% CI) for the highest compared with the lowest tertile was 1.81 (1.20, 2.72; P for trend = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The experimental finding of no beneficial effects of antioxidant supplementation in a generally well-nourished population is consistent with recent reports of a lack of efficacy of antioxidant supplements. However, the relations observed between the risk of MetS and baseline serum antioxidant concentrations, which probably reflect associations with overall dietary patterns, do support the current recommendations to consume antioxidant-rich foods. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00272428.

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