Antioxidant supplements can cause cancer and accelerate tumor growth

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The success of the food supplement market based on the widespread belief that pills offer a quick fix to a health problem. But researchers worry that people are misled by the supposed benefits of supplements, suggesting that in some cases the dangers may outweigh the benefits.

It has been suggested that some dietary supplements may cause widespread diseases such as cancer, or reduce the effectiveness of treatment of this disease. Moreover, antioxidant supplements are often used in conjunction with cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Antioxidant supplements have long been thought to protect against cancer because they neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are known to damage DNA.

Studies have historically linked the presence of antioxidants to reduced free radical damage , which is one of the hallmarks of cancer.

However, conflicting data have emerged that cast doubt on these findings, suggesting that some antioxidant supplements may increase the number, size, and stage of cancerous tumors.

In one study conducted by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, researchers observed these effects after adding antioxidants to the diets of mice with lung cancer. The results showed that the cancer prognosis in mice significantly worsened after they were fed a diet supplemented with antioxidant supplements.

But further research by the same team showed a significant link between taking antioxidant supplements and increasing the growth of severe malignant melanoma .

In this case, the size of the tumor did not increase, but the researchers found that the number of lymph node metastases doubled, meaning that the tumor spread more quickly.

Cancer Research UK explains that supplements cannot replace a healthy diet.

“The best way to get a complete set of vitamins and minerals is to eat a healthy, balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables.”

Individuals who want to improve their health with nutritional supplements, should always talk to a therapist first.