Vitamin Supplements

As a child, I remember my mother standing over me as I took my Flintstones vitamins. Now as an adult, I still take my vitamins with the exception that they are no longer colorful. Approximately, 50% of the American population takes a dietary supplement. Vitamins supplement our diet and prevent nutritional deficiency. Our bodies need vitamins and minerals for normal growth and development. In today's world where people are mostly on the go our dietary intake may not be the best. So, taking a vitamin supplement usually helps to offset vitamin deficiencies.

However, vitamins may not always be good for your health. Recent studies have shown that taking vitamins can be problematic for cancer patients. In the US, over 10 million cancer survivors are known to be taking supplements. Studies conducted in Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center revealed that this patient population reported taking either vitamins or minerals. When compared to the general population, cancer survivors consume dietary supplements about 15 percent to 30 percent more. Unfortunately, there is little information available to support that vitamin consumption improves health for cancer survivors.

The health benefits of vitamins remain unclear for this group. Studies conducted have not shown any improvements for cancer survivors. In fact, researchers have discovered that dietary supplement use may adversely affect cancer patients. The use of vitamins has demonstrated a decline in the health of some patients. Patients with advanced cancer where followed in two randomized trials using vitamin C supplements. The results indicated that the vitamins did nothing to improve their condition and actually a decline in survival rate may have resulted. There was also a report in 1995 published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry citing the proliferation of cancer cells in a petri dish when vitamin C was added.

Other studies have shown that the use of vitamins may also increase the risk of developing lung cancer among smokers who were given beta carotene supplements. In one particular study, patients with head and neck cancers taking vitamin E supplements had an increased risk for developing a second cancer. Even folic acid, usually a winner at preventing neural tube defects in expectant mothers, has been associated with the progression of cancer.

So, what do these studies mean?

Well for starters, precautions must be taken when considering vitamin supplements. The evidence compiled in over 30 studies demonstrates a need for cautionary measures. This is further supported by The American Cancer Society which promotes the avoidance of dietary supplement use during cancer treatments.

According to Dr. Ulrich, associate professor at the Hutchinson Research Center, dietary supplement use by cancer survivors provides a source of hope toward improving their immune system. Not to mention the desire to feel in control of their lives or empowered to do something about their health. In this sense, dietary supplement use has it pros in allowing cancer survivors a way to feel like they are in the driver's seat. However, the evidence from studies should not be ignored. More research is necessary to understand the beneficial and detrimental effects of vitamin supplements. In the meantime, there's evidence to suggest that specific vitamins may have adverse effects on treatment or even increase the rate of cancer growth in patients. The best thing is to discuss options with one's physician and disclose what types of supplements are being taken.

Source: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/06/despite-risks-vitamins-popular-with-cancer-patients/,
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=83003-cancer-supplements-vitamins