At a recent lecture, Dr. Campbell shocked us with an eye opening study. 25,000 males were studied in a joint research project between Finland and the US.* In that study, beta carotene - taken as a food (think carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.) - decreased lung cancer 19%. Beta carotene - taken as a supplement - INCREASED lung cancer by 18% !!! We were floored!! Then he told us about some other studies reported in the JAMA 2008. Vitamin E as a supplement increased hemorrhagic stroke by 7%. The same Vitamin E increased the risk of prostate cancer by 17%. Calcium and Vitamin D increase cardiovascular events. The list goes on. It seems the only supplement that we need is B-12 - and that one doesn’t seem to be harmful.
The supplement industry is a $ 52 billion dollar industry. Think about that -= we’re paying $ 52 billion each year for supplements that don’t work. So save money - stay healthy!
Omenn, G.S., et al (1996). “Effects of a combination of beta carotene and vitamin A on lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.” New England J. Med. 334: 1150-1155