Abstract
A meta-analysis has been widely applied to draw general conclusions using a set of studies with similar purposes and designs. This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis of six randomized placebo-controlled trials, independently conducted for the relationship between a plant-based multivitamin/mineral supplementation (PMS) and oxidative stress for 6 to 8 weeks, to provide overall estimates of those effects. In detail, linear mixed model analysis was first conducted on each study to obtain individual estimates; then, two types of meta-analysis were applied to combine the individual estimates from all available studies (overall meta-analysis) and region-specific studies (subgroup meta-analysis). In the meta-analysis, we selected 19 biomarker variables that overlapped in at least two studies and found 6 variables significant in at least one meta-analysis. The overall estimates of beta coefficients were 0.17 for vitamin C, 0.80 for vitamin B6, 0.46 for vitamin B12, 0.81 for folate, 0.36 for β-carotene, and −0.17 for oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). Subsequent association analysis revealed significant negative correlations between plasma free radical scavenging nutrients and plasma ox-LDL levels, indicating a general benefit of PMS in alleviating oxidative stress by providing exogenous oxidant scavengers.
Highlights
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability to deactivate them
An array of clinical trials has been performed to prove that taking an antioxidant multivitamin supplement may affect reducing the risks of chronic diseases [2–6]
Six independent randomized and placebocontrolled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of plant-based multivitamin supplement (PMS) against oxidative stress were collected for this meta-analysis (Table 1)
Summary
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability to deactivate them. The association of oxidative stress with many chronic diseases has been extensively studied and found to be an essential factor in inducing public health problems in developed and developing countries [1]. An array of clinical trials has been performed to prove that taking an antioxidant multivitamin supplement may affect reducing the risks of chronic diseases [2–6]. Such consistency and inconsistency have been found in randomized and placebocontrolled trials (RCTs), which were independently conducted to evaluate the effects of the same plant-based multivitamin supplement (PMS) on reducing oxidative damage, maintaining endogenous ROS homeostasis, or providing heart health benefits in general
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