Study: vitamin E supps may increase lung cancer risk, especially in smokers

Data from a new large-scale study of vitamin supplementation has revealed that such products do not protect against lung cancer and may even increase the risk of developing the disease. The findings, which are published in the American Thoracic Society's journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggest that the perceived wisdom that vitamin supplements provide a balanced diet and are an aid to longevity may be incorrect.

The VITAL study, which was conducted by Christopher Slatore and colleagues at the University of Washington in Seattle, USA, involved the analysis of data from more than 77,000 individuals aged between 50 and 76, who had been identified by the Seattle-Puget Sound SEER cancer registry. Subjects' lifestyle habits, including vitamin usage, smoking and medical characteristics were examined with respect to the rates of lung cancer.

Supplements not linked to cancer reduction