The role of antioxidant vitamins on controlling hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases

¯Abstract Background: In observational studies, prolonged reduction in blood total cholesterol level is associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease however the results of clinical trials are controversial. During recent decades the role of antioxidants in preventing the initiation and progression of oxidative stress has been the focus of discussion. Objective: To systematically review and find the exact role of antioxidants in preventing atherosclerosis and secondary cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: The Medline database through 1991-2007 was carefully retrieved and 37 relevant papers selected. Findings: There are conflicting results in clinical trials regarding the efficacy of antioxidant vitamin supplements in reducing the progression of atherosclerosis and CVD events. Conclusion: Owing to several different factors of patients such as age, sex, health conditions, study duration, and also the type of studies, it was concluded that the judgment on benefit of antioxidants is accompanied with poor clarity. Thus, further future studies are needed to address the efficiency of such medications in reducing the effect of these two risk factors on human