The theory goes like this if ageing was caused by a build-up of molecular damage caused by reactive forms of oxygen, called superoxides or free radicals, circulating in the body (oxidative stress). Then antioxidants worked to mop up these free radicals, minimising their damage. The beverage industry has tapped into this growing Antioxidant health trend with new offerings. Many studies aimed at proving the theory have been inconclusive, until now thanks to the tiny Nematode worm. The study carried out by the team from University College London said, in the Genes and Development journal, there was “no clear evidence” they could slow ageing.

Pamela Mason, of the Health Supplements Information Service, said: “Antioxidant vitamins, like any other vitamins were never intended for the prevention of chronic disease and mortality. They are not magic bullets.

“They are intended for health maintenance on the basis of their various physiological roles in the body and in the case of the antioxidant vitamins, this does, in appropriate amounts, include a protective antioxidant effect in the body’s tissues.”

via : news.bbc.co.uk