Q: I am a 66 years old male, 5.8 feet tall and weigh 65 kg. Can I take a tablet of Imuplex thrice a week or daily? Is it a good anti-oxidant?

A:Hundreds of so-called antioxidants, neutraceuticals are being sold in the market at fancy prices by virtually unknown manufacturers without approval from the Drugs Controller General, India of the Ministry of Health. Such products have not undergone any approved, scientifically valid clinical trials to establish their efficacy and safety. Neither Imuplex nor its producer -- Legend Advanced Biomedicinal appears on the national or international list of quality medicines. Besides routine use of even quality anti-oxidants is not beneficial. Supplements should only be taken if there is proven deficiency.