In June 2003, was completed the greatest study ever carried out in France and perhaps in the world on the benefits of a supplementation in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the Su.Vi.Max. study.

During eight years, 13 017 volunteers (60 % of old women from 35 to 60 years and 40 % of men old from 45 to 60 years) were followed in order to determine the effects on health of a food supplemented out of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants and this particularly on the prevention of cancers and the cardiovascular diseases.

Directed by Dr. Serge Hercberg, this study was undertaken according to a very rigorous protocol by a team of the national Academy of arts and trades in collaboration with the French national Institute of health and medical research, the French ministries for Health, Agriculture and Research like some industrialists.

This study was undertaken as a double blind man, the volunteers were separate in two groups:

     • First absorbed piles rich in vitamins and antioxidant trace elements. The daily supplement used was composed of Beta-carotene 6 Mg, Vitamin C 120 Mg, Vitamin E 30 Mg, Selenium 100 µg and Zinc 20 Mg.

     • The second group took piles containing a placebo.

The results of this official study are very significant. The antioxidants avoid at the man a cancer on three (rate of cancers of 31 % drops) and lower total mortality (about 37 %). the randomization makes it possible to affirm that the reduction observed was indeed caused by antioxidants.

The following estimate thus could be drawn: a food supplemented by a consequent contribution in vitamins and mineral antioxidants could make it possible to prevent in France each year approximately 4400 cases of cancers to old man from 45 to 60 years and nearly 12000 of all ages. The industrial food does not make it possible to bring the quantities of antioxidant taken in this study. The total amounts absorptive in SU.VI.MAX represent 4 times the current contributions in vitamin E, more than 2 times the contributions in vitamin C, nearly 3 times the selenium contributions and nearly 2 times the zinc contributions. One can thus conclude from it that a daily antioxidant complementation of quality has a very positive effect on health.

The study of SU.VI.MAX falls under the prolongation of the other international studies which already showed the interest of the antioxidant supplements. It confirms the recommendations of the researchers who recommend the daily catch of supplements of vitamins and minerals.