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Beta-carotene, the orange pigment in carrots, was tested in large trials as a way to prevent cancer. In men who smoked it increased lung cancer rather than preventing it, and the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends against taking it to prevent cancer. Eating the vegetables that contain it is a different thing and is good for you.
Memorial Sloan Kettering's About Herbs entry describes beta-carotene as one of the clearest examples of an antioxidant supplement that failed in prevention. Data from large multicentre trials suggest supplementation does not lower prostate cancer risk and, in male smokers over 40, may increase the incidence of lung cancer regardless of the tar or nicotine content of the cigarettes; antioxidant combinations including beta-carotene did not prevent gastrointestinal cancers, and beta-carotene may raise overall mortality. MSK also notes a report that beta-carotene supplements combined with continued smoking were associated with more recurrence and death during cancer treatment, and that alcohol appears to cancel any protective effect. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against beta-carotene or vitamin E supplements to prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer. Diets rich in fruit and vegetables, which contain carotenoids, are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and death, which is why the advice is food rather than capsules. The only common side effect of high intake is a harmless yellowing of the skin.
An antioxidant and provitamin A in laboratory models; in animal studies and in lung cancer cells, however, it promoted growth, which is consistent with the trial results in smokers.
Query for this technology: (TITLE:"Beta-carotene supplements" OR ABSTRACT:"Beta-carotene supplements" OR TITLE:"Beta carotene" OR ABSTRACT:"Beta carotene" OR TITLE:"Provitamin A carotenoid" OR ABSTRACT:"Provitamin A carotenoid") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Beta-carotene supplements, not a curated reading list.
Shares Mediterranean and plant-forward dietary patterns, Unproven diet claims (alkaline, juice, 'anti-cancer' diets), Dietary supplements during cancer treatment: interactions and harms, Evidence-based integrative oncology and the tags complementary, supportive-care.
Shares Vitamin E supplements, Dietary supplements during cancer treatment: interactions and harms, Evidence-based integrative oncology, Misinformation and unproven therapies and the tags complementary, supportive-care.
Shares Unproven diet claims (alkaline, juice, 'anti-cancer' diets), Dietary supplements during cancer treatment: interactions and harms, Evidence-based integrative oncology, Misinformation and unproven therapies and the tags complementary, supportive-care.
Shares Unproven diet claims (alkaline, juice, 'anti-cancer' diets), Dietary supplements during cancer treatment: interactions and harms, Evidence-based integrative oncology, Misinformation and unproven therapies and the tags complementary, supportive-care.
Shares Unproven diet claims (alkaline, juice, 'anti-cancer' diets), Dietary supplements during cancer treatment: interactions and harms, Evidence-based integrative oncology, Misinformation and unproven therapies and the tags complementary, supportive-care.
Shares Unproven diet claims (alkaline, juice, 'anti-cancer' diets), Dietary supplements during cancer treatment: interactions and harms, Evidence-based integrative oncology, Misinformation and unproven therapies and the tags complementary, supportive-care.
Shares Unproven diet claims (alkaline, juice, 'anti-cancer' diets), Dietary supplements during cancer treatment: interactions and harms, Evidence-based integrative oncology, Misinformation and unproven therapies and the tags complementary, supportive-care.
Shares Unproven diet claims (alkaline, juice, 'anti-cancer' diets), Dietary supplements during cancer treatment: interactions and harms, Evidence-based integrative oncology, Misinformation and unproven therapies and the tags complementary, supportive-care.
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