2024-02-01 11:55:12
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Vitamins can, to a certain extent, prevent cancer. However, when dosed too high and isolated in dietary supplements, they can also increase the risk of cancer.
The shelves in drugstores, supermarkets and pharmacies are full of nutritional supplements. Many manufacturers advertise a health-promoting effect, but this is rarely proven. There are always reports circulating among the public about the influence that certain nutrients have on health. There is always talk of an anti-cancer (or, in the case of a deficiency, a cancer-promoting) effect of vitamin D. The use of selenium during cancer therapy is also discussed again and again. But the evidence of a connection is too small to recommend dietary supplements for cancer prevention, warns World Health Organization (WHO).
In the best case scenario, a balanced diet covers your nutrient requirements
Vitamin D is often said to have an anti-cancer effect – this has not been proven (symbolic image). © Pond5 Images/Imago
If you eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, fruit and valuable vegetable oils, you should cover your nutrient needs through food. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends choosing predominantly plant-based foods. They are rich in nutrients, fiber and phytochemicals and at the same time low in calories. Animal foods such as dairy products, fish, meat and eggs should complement plant foods.
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Exceptions apply to certain diets such as a vegan diet, pregnant women, older people and people with certain illnesses. Nutrient supply can also be an issue in cancer. Before those affected take dietary supplements, a doctor should assess whether a deficiency really exists. Otherwise there is a risk of a dangerous overdose and possible drug interactions.
Too high doses of vitamin supplements can even increase the risk of cancer
Some vitamins, trace elements and phytochemicals are known to have antioxidant effects. This means that they neutralize so-called free radicals, which can, among other things, cause diseases. That applies to:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Beta-Carotene
- the trace element selenium
- secondary plant substances (flavonoids)
For example, the plant substance sulforaphane in broccoli inhibits the growth of tumor cells. Findings like these repeatedly lead to the assumption that targeted intake of these substances can reduce the risk of cancer. But this is only partially proven, as shown German Cancer Society (DKG) informed. And what’s more: an oversupply of nutrients through high doses of nutritional supplements can even increase the risk of cancer, according to the experts. Studies have been able to demonstrate this connection, among other things, with vitamin B6 and B12 in the development of lung cancer in men.
Vitamins as protection during radiation therapy?
Due to their antioxidant effect, the use of certain nutrients in chemotherapy and radiotherapy is also discussed. In fact, they say they can reduce the side effects of cancer therapy DKG experts. But there is also the risk that they weaken the effect of the treatment. Vitamins and other nutrients not only affect the oxidative processes of healthy cells, but also those of diseased cells. Taking vitamin supplements during radiation or chemotherapy should therefore only be done in consultation with a doctor.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
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