Research

Mixed

Exogenous antioxidant supplementation does not consistently extend lifespan in model organisms and may shorten it in healthy wild-type animals, contradicting the Free Radical Theory of Aging.

Do not rely on antioxidant supplements (Vitamins C, E, etc.) to extend your lifespan. Current evidence from model organisms suggests they are ineffective or potentially harmful in healthy individuals. Focus on established longevity interventions like calorie restriction or exercise, which have more robust evidence for extending healthspan and lifespan.

GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
The life-prolonging effect of antioxidants may be limited to a more or less narrow 'therapeutic window'... Not always, the experimental conditions may hit the therapeutic window... Surprisingly, antioxidant supplementation significantly shortened lifespan in voles maintained under both cold and warm conditions.
Izabela Sadowska‐Bartosz et al. · BioMed Research International · 2014

Why this rating

Based on a comprehensive review of multiple model organisms and meta-analyses, though human data is sparse.

Source

Effect of Antioxidants Supplementation on Aging and Longevity

Izabela Sadowska‐Bartosz et al. · BioMed Research International · 2014

DOI 10.1155/2014/404680

narrative_reviewCited 288×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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