Current scientific evidence suggests that free radicals- unstable by-products produced by normal human metabolic processes-damage the body, resulting in chronic health disorders and degenerative changes associated with aging. Nutritional products on the market today promise 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 do seem to back up those reports. Yet the studies that have been completed are far from conclusive, and taking antioxidant supplements can be dangerous. This book explores current thinking, analyzes studies, and answers the questions: What are antioxidants? What do they do? Is there any real benefit to taking them as supplements? Are there 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 nutraceuticals 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.

Paul E. Milbury is a Scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. His work is focused on determining dietary antioxidant bioavailability and effectiveness of nutrients in treating aging related disorders. Before joining Tufts, Milbury was a Harvard Research Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital studying oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders. He also served an 8-year tenure in the Long Range Research Lab at ESA, Inc., involved in a study of degenerative disorders funded by National Institute of Aging grants. Milbury holds a Ph.D. in Animal and Nutrition Science, and degrees in Animal Science, Cell Biology, and Chemistry, all from the University of New Hampshire.

Alice C. Richer is a Registered, Licensed Dietician who has practiced in therapeutic, administrative, and education settings for more than 25 years. She is currently a Consultant for nursing homes and an employee at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Framingham Center, where she works with post-polio survivors, breast cancer survivors, and the professional soccer team, the New England Revolution. She trained at Beth Israel Hospital and earned her degrees at the University of Rhode Island and Boston College.