Key Points
Free radical-related processes underlie many of the proinflammatory and vascular cell changes associated with atherogenesis.
Although observational studies have been mixed, the most consistent inverse association between antioxidant vitamin intake and reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been reported with vitamin E.
Primary and secondary randomized controlled trials, including arterial imaging trials, have predominantly indicated a null effect of antioxidant vitamin supplementation on CVD events and progression of atherosclerosis.
Troublesome data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antioxidant vitamin supplementation have arisen in certain subgroups.
Limited data indicate that low antioxidant levels may be a prerequisite for the cardioprotective effects of antioxidant vitamin supplementation to be expressed.
Current data do not support the use of antioxidant vitamin supplementation for the prevention or treatment of CVD.
The divergent information derived from observational trials and RCTs warrants further investigation.
Consumption of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidant vitamins appears to be an important component of a healthy lifestyle.