Beta-carotene or vitamin E supplementation for prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer is which of the following?

Beta-carotene or vitamin E supplementation for prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer is which of the following?

• A. Beneficial
• B. Not beneficial
• C. Possibly beneficial
• D. Not recommended

Answer: (D)

Taking beta-carotene or vitamin E to prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer has not been shown to help, and in fact evidence from large trials has suggested possible harm. In several studies, beta-carotene did not reduce cancer or heart disease risk and, among smokers, was associated with increased lung cancer risk and mortality. Vitamin E did not demonstrate clear cardiovascular or cancer prevention benefits, and some analyses raised concerns about potential harm at high doses. Because there’s no proven protective effect and there can be adverse outcomes, routine supplementation with these antioxidants for prevention is not recommended. The safer, evidence-based approach is to obtain antioxidants from a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, rather than relying on high-dose supplements.

Taking beta-carotene or vitamin E to prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer has not been shown to help, and in fact evidence from large trials has suggested possible harm. In several studies, beta-carotene did not reduce cancer or heart disease risk and, among smokers, was associated with increased lung cancer risk and mortality. Vitamin E did not demonstrate clear cardiovascular or cancer prevention benefits, and some analyses raised concerns about potential harm at high doses. Because there’s no proven protective effect and there can be adverse outcomes, routine supplementation with these antioxidants for prevention is not recommended. The safer, evidence-based approach is to obtain antioxidants from a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, rather than relying on high-dose supplements.