Antioxidants vs. Acid Reflux

A new study, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, suggests that antioxidants may have a positive effect on chronic Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) associated with esophageal cancer.* The study of 913 people included an 110-item food frequency questionnaire to determine dietary and supplemental intakes of antioxidants. Dietary intake of vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene were inversely associated with the risk of Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus refers to an abnormal change in the cells of the lower end of the esophagus thought to be caused by damage from chronic acid exposure. The use of supplements to prevent, treat or cure acid reflux is debatable.

However, according the National Cancer Institute “antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause.”

Viteyes® Complete offers a premium multivitamin with higher doses of antioxidants in addition to a full body multivitamin.

*A. Kubo, T.R. Levin,G. Block, G.J. Rumore, C.P. Quesenberry, Jr, P. Buffler, D.A. Corley. American Journal of Gastroenterology. “Dietary Antioxidants, Fruits, and Vegetables and the Risk of Barrett’s Esophagus.” Volume 103, Pages 1-10, doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241. 2008.01838.x.