Epoch HealthAvoid Taking These 3 Supplements Too Casually as They May Increase Cancer Risk

Recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews have identified potential cancer risk associations with common nutritional supplements, particularly beta-carotene, vitamin E, and high-dose B vitamins. This evidence challenges widespread supplement use assumptions and highlights the importance of evidence-based supplementation practices.

Key Clinical Considerations:

• Beta-carotene supplementation showed a 16% increased lung cancer risk overall, with 21% higher risk in smokers and asbestos workers (2022 meta-analysis in Nutrients)
• Vitamin E supplementation (400 IU daily) demonstrated a 17% increased prostate cancer risk in a large RCT involving 30,000+ participants over 7-12 years
• High-dose vitamin B6 (≥20 mg/day) or B12 (≥55μg/day) supplementation nearly doubled lung cancer risk in men, particularly smokers, in a study of 77,118 Americans
• Natural food sources of these nutrients (e.g., carrots, spinach) showed no increased cancer risk and may offer protective benefits
• The USPSTF explicitly recommends against beta-carotene and vitamin E supplementation for CVD or cancer prevention

Clinical Practice Impact
Patient counseling should emphasize obtaining nutrients through whole foods rather than supplements unless clinically indicated. Particular attention needed for patients who smoke or have occupational exposures. Supplement risk assessment should be integrated into routine health screenings, especially for male patients considering vitamin E or B-complex supplementation.

More on Vitamins/Supplements