Vitamin E or C supplements likely don't reduce cancer risk

November 17, 2008 in Cancer Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements

Vitamin E or C supplements likely don't reduce cancer risk

Men who take supplements of vitamin E or C are no more or less likely to develop cancer than men who don't supplement with these antioxidants, say U.S. researchers.

In this new study, cancer risk was tracked in 14,641 middle-aged male doctors who took either 400 IU of vitamin E every other day or a placebo, or 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily or a placebo.

After eight years, taking the vitamins was found to have no impact on the risk for any type of cancer, say the researchers from Harvard Medical School.

One week ago, a report on the same population of men noted that taking vitamins E or C did not reduce their risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Antioxidants like vitamin E and C are thought to protect against damage caused by free radicals, substances that can harm cells, tissues and organs. For this reason, previous research has shown that people who obtain high amounts of vitamins E and C - from food sources - have a lower risk of cancer and heart disease.

Fruits and vegetables like oranges, cantaloupe, kiwi, strawberries, red peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are rich in vitamin C. Avocado, apricots, and spinach are a good sources of vitamin E.

For more information about foods that prevent cancer, check out Leslie Beck's Foods that Fight Disease.

This study was published on November 16, 2008 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.