Antioxidants and vitamins to reduce cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western populations. Several lines of evidence support the role of oxidative stress in atherogenesis. Dietary micronutrients with antioxidant properties and vitamins have also been shown to have a benefit with regards to cardiovascular disease. The most persuasive evidence relates to alpha tocopherol and folate and vitamin B(12). Although the evidence is mounting for supplementation with alpha tocopherol and folate and B(12) for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, no clear consensus can be reached for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. This will have to await results of ongoing clinical trials.