Food Better Than Supplements for Cancer Prevention: Expert (HealthDay)

FRIDAY, Aug. 27 (HealthDay News) — Nutritional supplements are well loved
among Americans but people need to educate themselves and use caution when
using these products to try to reduce their risk of cancer, says a
University of Texas expert.

“Researchers are still unsure about whether or not minerals, herbs and
other plants taken in pill, capsule, tablet or liquid form really
prevent cancer,” Sally Scroggs, health education manager at the Cancer
Prevention Center at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Medical Center,
said in a news release from the center.

Vitamins E and C, for example, were found not to prevent cancer in the
large-scale Women’s Health Study and the Physicians’ Health Study II.
Findings from other studies suggest that some supplements may really
increase cancer risk by affecting the balance of nutrients in the
body.

“If you eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans, you
should get the nutrients, including fiber, vitamins and minerals, your
body needs to lower your chances of getting diseases like cancer,” Scroggs
said. “Taking a pill can’t replace a healthy diet.”

She suggested eating plenty of foods loaded with cancer-fighting
nutrients such as beta-carotene, selenium, lycopene, resveratrol and
vitamins A, C and E.

While Scroggs does advise caution, there are some situations where
taking supplements may benefit people, especially those who aren’t getting
enough nutrients due to food allergies, genetics or chronic illnesses, she
said.

This includes women who are pregnant or breast-feeding; people at risk
for vitamin D deficiency or osteoporosis; and people at risk for B-12
deficiency, including those aged 50 and older and vegans who consume no
animal products.

Scroggs concluded that if you’re considering taking supplements,
consult with a doctor or registered dietician first.

More information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more about dietary supplements.