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May 17, 2007

Multivitamins linked to prostate cancer

Taking multivitamins more than seven times a week may increase the risk of fatal prostate cancer, says a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Analysis of data from nearly 300,000 men showed that the risk of advanced prostate cancer is 32% higher in men who take multivitamins more than once a day than in those who don’t take them at all. And the risk of fatal prostate cancer was almost double.

Men with a family history of the disease who also took selenium, beta-carotene, or zinc supplements had the greatest risk.

“The possibility that men taking high levels of multivitamins along with other supplements have increased risk of advanced and fatal prostate cancers is of concern and merits further evaluation,” said study leader Dr. Karla Lawson to the BBC.

Previous research has shown that antioxidants such as vitamins C and E may protect cells against damage. However, other studies have indicated that beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E supplements may shorten your life.

Liz Baker, science information officer at Cancer Research UK, told the BBC: “There is conflicting evidence on the pros and cons of vitamin supplements. These products don't seem to give us the same benefits as vitamins that naturally occur in our food. We encourage people wanting to reduce their risk of cancer to eat a diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruit, and low in red and processed meat.

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. (The Advocate)

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