"This volume represents an up-to-date and comprehensive reference on an important and sometimes confusing topic....Welcome information for health practitioners and anyone else who is trying to understand the conflicting messages that have come out on these intriguing compounds. With a thorough review of the data and critical interpretation, this book is timely, authoritative and necessary... Health practitioners will find the information contained in this book to be interesting and important when counseling their patients on diets, as well as when and how much to take of antioxidant dietary supplements. Reliable nutritional advice for patients can only be given by health practitioners who are well-informed, and it is this book that provides the information needed on antioxidants." - Robert M. Russell, MD Director, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center

"More reports are coming out in scientific journals showing a lack of benefit from antioxidant vitamin supplements, and some have reported harm. Milbury and Richer carefully pick their way through this minefield of conflicting and confusing results. The book is extensively documented, with an extensive bibliography that cites many fascinating works, some of which have been overlooked by other writers." - Paul Ernsberger, Ph.D. Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University
Current scientific theory presumes free radicals--unstable by-products produced by normal human metabolic processes-- damage the body, resulting in chronic health problems and degenerative changes associated with aging. Nutritional products on the market today promise that antioxidants can reduce--possibly even reverse--damage caused by these free radicals. If true, that would mean less chronic disease and premature aging, at the very least. But are antioxidants indeed the new Fountain of Youth? Media reports extol antioxidants as the solution to disease and aging, and some studies to seem to back up those reports. Yet the studies that have been completed are far from conclusive, and taking antioxidant supplements can, at times, be dangerous. This book explores current thinking, analyzes the studies, and answers the questions: What are antioxidants? What do they do? Is there any real benefit to taking them as supplements? Are there any real dangers for me? Media report preliminary and conflicting scientific studies on antioxidants, notwithstanding the fact that the final analysis about their effectiveness and safety is incomplete. The result is increasing sales of dietary supplements and so-called functional foods or "neutraceuticals" that are not regulated, nor proven, and a possible public safety crisis from "hypersupplementation." Milbury and Richer bring us up to date, sharing nuances and emerging news regarding antioxidants--and their dangers. Understanding the Antioxidant Controversy is an educated consumers' and health professionals' guide to this controversial topic.