Title: Controversial Claim Emerges Linking Vitamin Supplements to Increased Cancer Risk
Published: Nov. 2, 2023, 12:54 p.m. ET
By Marc Lallanilla
An oncologist from the UK’s National Health Service has sparked controversy in the medical community with his claim that taking vitamin supplements can increase the risk of cancer. Dr. Mohammad Muneeb Khan has even suggested that multivitamins should come with warning labels similar to those found on cigarette packages.
According to Dr. Khan, synthetic pills contain excessive levels of micronutrients that go beyond what the average human body actually needs. These excess multivitamins may provide ample nourishment for the hundreds of cancer cells produced in our bodies daily. While the body normally has the ability to effectively destroy these cancer cells, they become a challenge to eliminate when well-fed and rapidly multiplying.
Dr. Khan’s statement has alarmed the estimated 52% of US adults who regularly use dietary supplements, with 31% reporting the use of multivitamin-mineral supplements. He based his claim on a 1996 study called the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET), which explored high doses of beta-carotene and vitamin A’s ability to prevent lung cancer. The study concluded that the combination of these vitamins had no benefit and might have adverse effects on lung cancer incidence and mortality rates.
Studies examining the daily use of supplements like vitamin A and vitamin B complex have also shown a correlation between increased risks of different types of cancer. While research is lacking for other vitamins, Dr. Khan suggests that they might also have similar effects.
However, other experts argue that most vitamin supplements, when taken at safe doses, are relatively harmless and can provide benefits. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states that vitamins and minerals taken at recommended doses do not cause cancer. The Physicians’ Health Study II, one of the largest and longest trials on multivitamins, found that daily consumption of multivitamins over 11 years reduced total cancer incidence by 8%.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding vitamin supplements, experts from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center assert that the real issue lies in promoting a healthy diet rather than relying solely on supplements. Eating a nutrient-rich diet consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes is believed to be more effective at preventing cancer and other chronic diseases.
In conclusion, the claim linking vitamin supplements to an increased risk of cancer has caused division within the medical community. While some experts emphasize the potential harm of excessive vitamin intake, others argue that these supplements can be beneficial when taken within recommended doses. The focus should shift towards a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients to prevent chronic diseases like cancer.