Antioxidant vitamins in prevention,

The authors are aware that there is still a need for muchresearch to elucidate the possible preventive effects of antioxidant vitamins with regard to degeneratibe and neoplastic diseases. There must also be vigorous examination of the evidence that antioxidant vitamins can play a crucial part in a large number of other disorders (Alzeihmerʹs disease, Parkinsonʹs disease, diabetes, chronic and acute inflammations, airway disorders, reperfusion syndrome). The aim of prevention-oriented medical research must be to develop suitable measures able to make a considerable contribution to the overall prevention policy. Although there is still uncertainly about the mode ofaction and the optimal dosage of antioxidant nutrients and dietary constituents, particularly because of the safety when the dosage is correct, more information must be provided about early prevention of an inappropriate, low antioxidant intake; intake in the diet should definitely be preferred to supplementation because of the other beneficial effects of the recommended foodstuffs.