Dependence on vitamins also is futile for those who want to live longer, he said, noting that laboratory studies in which animals are given large amounts of vitamins A, C and E show "no consistent trend" toward increased life span. He cautioned also against the health dangers of taking excess amounts of vitamins, saying some persons mistakenly believe that, if a small amount is good, a massive dose would be even better. Instead, the overdose of vitamins could bring on illness and bodily damage.

After an extensive review of medical research, [Edward L. Schneider] said, he has concluded that there are no scientifically valid methods of increasing the human life span. He said that he wrote an article for the New England Journal of Medicine and conducted a special news conference Wednesday "because I was concerned about the false and misleading claims for products that are promoted to extend life span."