> ------------------------------
>
> Date:    Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:15:31 -0500
> From:    Tom Bri <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: Cold Sore/ now a question on supplements
>
> I wonder if the theory of anti-oxidants has any validity at all.

@@@ I think it does, but the free radical theory of disease might be at 
fault.
http://www.hero.ac.uk/uk/research/archives/2004/radical_revisions5970.cfm

In brief--white cells produce free radicals to kill off germs. If you 
megadose on antioxidants you are working against your own immune system.

> No one
> supplement, nor even the most complete multivitamin/multisupplement can 
> give
> us what we need. Only varied and complex foods can, and throwing off our
> balance with mega-dose supplements hurts more than it helps.

@@@ I think you are right. Since each person is an individual, group studies 
will always be flawed since it is impossible to take into account all the 
variables. Even if a study shows that 7 in 10 people derived some benefit 
from, say, extra vitamin C, there are still those 3 people who didn't, and 
who probably had some kind of unpleasant reaction. One size never fits all.

Carrie