VITAMINS: IOM Sets Limits on Antioxidants

Concerned about the risk of harmful side effects from overuse of vitamins, the Institute of Medicine yesterday set limits on daily consumption of Vitamins C and E, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. While the IOM determined that "extremely large doses" of the vitamins can cause health problems, the institute also recommended increased daily dosages for both.

Vitamin C: Women should consume 75 milligrams, and men should consume 90 milligrams, both up from 60 milligrams; smokers should consumer an additional 35 milligrams each day, but adults should not exceed more than 2,000 milligrams per day.
Vitamin E: Women and men should consume 15 milligrams each day, up 10 milligrams for men and 8 for women. No more than 1,000 milligrams should be consumed each day (Otto, 4/11).
Selenium: Men and women also should consume 55 micrograms of selenium, up from 55 and 70 micrograms, respectively. Adults should consume no more than 400 micrograms each day. Sources of selenium include seafood, liver, meat and grains.

Scientists did not set a minimum intake level for beta caratene, one of the most popular antioxidant supplements. The revised recommendations are part of the institute's examination of the government's official recommendations on how much vitamins and minerals Americans should consume daily. The institute could not adequately establish a direct connection between consumption of antioxidants and preventing chronic disease. Norman Krinsky, chair of the Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds, said, "Much more research is needed to determine whether dietary antioxidants can actually stave off chronic disease" (Squires, Washington Post, 4/11). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.