Antioxidant supplements may cause cancer and accelerate tumor growth

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The success of the dietary supplement market is based on the widespread belief that pills offer a quick fix for a health problem. But researchers fear that people are being 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 treatments for these diseases. Furthermore, antioxidant supplements are often used in combination with cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Antioxidant supplements have long been thought to provide protection 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, a hallmark of cancer development.

However, conflicting data has emerged that casts 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 diet of mice with lung cancer. The results showed that the cancer prognosis in mice significantly worsened after they were given a diet supplemented with antioxidant supplements.

However, further research by the same team showed a significant link between taking antioxidant supplements and increased 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 the tumor was spreading more quickly.

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

“The best way to get a full range of vitamins and minerals is to eat a healthy, balanced diet with a variety of fruit and vegetables.”

People looking to improve their health through nutritional supplements should always speak to a GP first.