Initial: lower total cancer and prostate cancer incidence and all-cause mortality among men only; increased incidence of skin cancer among women only. Later: no evidence of protective effects in men or harmful effects in women within 5 years of ending supplementation.

Initial: no reduction in incidence of prostate or other cancers—trial stopped early. Overall, these nine randomized controlled clinical trials did not provide evidence that dietary antioxidant supplements are beneficial in primary cancer prevention.

In addition, a systematic review of the available evidence regarding the use of vitamin and mineral supplements for the prevention of chronic diseases, including cancer, conducted for the United States Preventive Services Task Force USPSTF likewise found no clear evidence of benefit in preventing cancer It is possible that the lack of benefit in clinical studies can be explained by differences in the effects of the tested antioxidants when they are consumed as purified chemicals as opposed to when they are consumed in foods, which contain complex mixtures of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals 3.

Therefore, acquiring a more complete understanding of the antioxidant content of individual foods, how the various antioxidants and other substances in foods interact with one another, and factors that influence the uptake and distribution of food-derived antioxidants in the body are active areas of ongoing cancer prevention research.

Several randomized controlled trials , some including only small numbers of patients, have investigated whether taking antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment alters the effectiveness or reduces the toxicity of specific therapies Although these trials had mixed results, some found that people who took antioxidant supplements during cancer therapy had worse outcomes, especially if they were smokers.

In some preclinical studies, antioxidants have been found to promote tumor growth and metastasis in tumor-bearing mice and to increase the ability of circulating tumor cells to metastasize 29 — Until more is known about the effects of antioxidant supplements in cancer patients, these supplements should be used with caution.

Cancer patients should inform their doctors about their use of any dietary supplement. Home About Cancer Cancer Causes and Prevention Risk Factors Diet Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention.

Cancer Causes and Prevention Risk Factors Age Alcohol Cancer-Causing Substances Chronic Inflammation Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions Diet Hormones Immunosuppression Infectious Agents Obesity Radiation Sunlight Tobacco Genetics Cancer Prevention Overview Research.

Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention On This Page What are free radicals, and do they play a role in cancer development? What are antioxidants? Can antioxidant supplements help prevent cancer?

Should people already diagnosed with cancer take antioxidant supplements? What are free radicals, and do they play a role in cancer development? MAX Study, France 19 — 22 Daily supplementation with vitamin C mg , vitamin E 30 mg , beta-carotene 6 mg , and the minerals selenium µg and zinc 20 mg for a median of 7.

Organoids blue grown from pancreas cells. email envelop icon twitter icon share button facebook icon share button linkedin icon share button. David Tuveson second from the right was the honoree at the 9th annual Doctors of Distinction Golf Invitational held by the American Cancer Society.

He was joined by CSHL President Bruce Stillman center , among others. Stay informed. DISCOVER: Related stories. For Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Base Pairs looks at the science of antioxidants and cancer.

Read more ». Researchers demonstrate that in the specific context of pancreatic cells leading to cancer, raisin antioxidant levels should not be raised. CSHL scientists have the goal in their sights. Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience on the site. By clicking "continue" or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies as detailed in our Privacy Policy.

Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.

We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.

Necessary Necessary. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cookie Duration Description cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin.

Morrison added. The results also support the idea that treating patients with pro-oxidants might be a way to prevent metastasis, he said.

In fact, methotrexate , a commonly used cancer drug, has pro-oxidant properties. The drug works by inhibiting an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase DHFR , which plays a key role in the metabolic pathways that produce glutathione, as well as the pathways that produce new DNA bases.

By blocking DHFR, methotrexate interferes with DNA replication and increases oxidative stress. Based on the available evidence, Dr. Bergö said he was extremely concerned with the aggressive marketing of antioxidants to cancer patients. January 3, , by Elia Ben-Ari.

December 15, , by Edward Winstead. November 30, , by Shana Spindler. Antioxidants Accelerate the Growth and Invasiveness of Tumors in Mice Subscribe. New findings in mice suggest that antioxidant supplements may promote tumor metastasis.

Credit: iStock. Featured Posts FDA Approves First Immunotherapy Drug for Nasopharyngeal Cancer January 3, , by Elia Ben-Ari. Virtual Mind—Body Fitness Classes May Offer Benefits during Cancer Treatment December 15, , by Edward Winstead. Combo Treatment Highly Effective for Advanced Bladder Cancer November 30, , by Shana Spindler.