Experts warn against this common health trend: ‘It could increase your cancer risk’
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What we’ve always considered to be healthy habits may not be as safe as we think.
One well-known expert in the field has made a startling revelation about a popular trend, sparking concern over its potential risks.
This eye-opening insight challenges everything we’ve been led to believe about making the right choices for our health.
A cancer dietitian has shed light on a seemingly healthy habit that might actually elevate the risk of developing the disease.
Nichole Andrews, a registered dietitian and nutritionist with a focus on oncology, revealed she had long steered clear of supplements like vitamin and mineral pills to minimise her cancer risk.
In a clip that garnered over a million views on social media, she stated: ‘I do not take any supplements unless my doctor recommends it, I get all my nutrients from food.’
‘Do not seek out supplements to reduce cancer risk because in fact high doses of supplements can increase cancer risk.’
Ms Andrews, 38, based in Washington, US, uses the social media alias The Oncology Dietician and did not specify the supplements or cancers linked to them in her short video.
The NHS warns that beta-carotene supplements could raise the risk of lung cancer in certain people, such as smokers or those exposed to asbestos.
Beta-carotene is a natural pigment found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, including carrots and sweet potatoes.
The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which benefits the immune system, vision, and skin health.
A study involving nearly 30,000 smokers showed that those who took beta-carotene supplements had a 20 per cent higher risk of cancer compared to non-users.
Research on individuals exposed to asbestos found a 28 per cent increased cancer risk for those using these supplements.
Importantly, studies highlighted this elevated risk only for those taking beta-carotene supplements, not for individuals consuming it through a balanced diet.
Why beta-carotene supplements heighten cancer risk remains unclear, though theories suggest high concentrations may damage cells or intensify harm caused by cancer-causing substances like tobacco.
Beta-carotene isn’t the only supplement linked to cancer risks.
An American study revealed that vitamin E supplements raised the risk of prostate cancer in men by 17 per cent.
Vitamin E, naturally found in nuts and seeds, supports skin, eye, and immune system health.
Selenium supplements have been associated with a 130 per cent increase in prostate cancer-related deaths, though this was observed in a small study involving triple the recommended daily dose.
Selenium, a mineral found in fish, meat, eggs, and Brazil nuts, is essential for immune function and reproductive health.
Some research suggests that iron supplements might raise bowel cancer risk due to oxidative damage caused by the mineral.
Men are advised to consume 8.7 mg of iron daily, while women aged 19 to 49 need 14.8 mg, and women over 50 require 8.7 mg.
Over-the-counter iron tablets, often containing around 14 mg per tablet, can be purchased cheaply at pharmacies.
Similar concerns have been raised about supplements like folate, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
The link between supplements and cancer remains a complex and evolving area of study.
General advice emphasises obtaining nutrients through a healthy, balanced diet rather than relying on supplements.
Despite this, nearly half of Brits reported taking supplements at least once a month to achieve better health.
Those concerned about potential deficiencies are encouraged to consult their GP for tailored advice and testing.
Ms Andrews advised caution, writing: ‘Think twice before overloading on supplements.
‘Some studies suggest that excessive intake of certain vitamins and minerals may actually increase cancer risk and harm healthy cells.’
She also recommended avoiding alcohol and processed meats to further reduce cancer risks.
Alcohol, a known risk factor for seven types of cancer, is estimated to cause 3 per cent of all cancers in the UK, including breast, mouth, and bowel cancers.
Processed meats, such as bacon, contain nitrites and nitrates, which are established carcinogens.
According to Cancer Research UK, processed meat consumption accounts for nearly one in six of the 45,000 bowel cancer cases diagnosed annually in the UK.
In the UK, approximately 385,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, with about half of the population expected to face the disease in their lifetime.
Have you ever reconsidered a health trend after learning about its potential risks? We’d love to hear your thoughts – drop a comment below and let us know!
One well-known expert in the field has made a startling revelation about a popular trend, sparking concern over its potential risks.
This eye-opening insight challenges everything we’ve been led to believe about making the right choices for our health.
A cancer dietitian has shed light on a seemingly healthy habit that might actually elevate the risk of developing the disease.
Nichole Andrews, a registered dietitian and nutritionist with a focus on oncology, revealed she had long steered clear of supplements like vitamin and mineral pills to minimise her cancer risk.
In a clip that garnered over a million views on social media, she stated: ‘I do not take any supplements unless my doctor recommends it, I get all my nutrients from food.’
‘Do not seek out supplements to reduce cancer risk because in fact high doses of supplements can increase cancer risk.’
Ms Andrews, 38, based in Washington, US, uses the social media alias The Oncology Dietician and did not specify the supplements or cancers linked to them in her short video.
The NHS warns that beta-carotene supplements could raise the risk of lung cancer in certain people, such as smokers or those exposed to asbestos.
Beta-carotene is a natural pigment found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, including carrots and sweet potatoes.
The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which benefits the immune system, vision, and skin health.
A study involving nearly 30,000 smokers showed that those who took beta-carotene supplements had a 20 per cent higher risk of cancer compared to non-users.
Research on individuals exposed to asbestos found a 28 per cent increased cancer risk for those using these supplements.
Importantly, studies highlighted this elevated risk only for those taking beta-carotene supplements, not for individuals consuming it through a balanced diet.
Why beta-carotene supplements heighten cancer risk remains unclear, though theories suggest high concentrations may damage cells or intensify harm caused by cancer-causing substances like tobacco.
Beta-carotene isn’t the only supplement linked to cancer risks.
An American study revealed that vitamin E supplements raised the risk of prostate cancer in men by 17 per cent.
Vitamin E, naturally found in nuts and seeds, supports skin, eye, and immune system health.
Selenium supplements have been associated with a 130 per cent increase in prostate cancer-related deaths, though this was observed in a small study involving triple the recommended daily dose.
Selenium, a mineral found in fish, meat, eggs, and Brazil nuts, is essential for immune function and reproductive health.
Some research suggests that iron supplements might raise bowel cancer risk due to oxidative damage caused by the mineral.
Men are advised to consume 8.7 mg of iron daily, while women aged 19 to 49 need 14.8 mg, and women over 50 require 8.7 mg.
Over-the-counter iron tablets, often containing around 14 mg per tablet, can be purchased cheaply at pharmacies.
Similar concerns have been raised about supplements like folate, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
The link between supplements and cancer remains a complex and evolving area of study.
General advice emphasises obtaining nutrients through a healthy, balanced diet rather than relying on supplements.
Despite this, nearly half of Brits reported taking supplements at least once a month to achieve better health.
Those concerned about potential deficiencies are encouraged to consult their GP for tailored advice and testing.
Ms Andrews advised caution, writing: ‘Think twice before overloading on supplements.
‘Some studies suggest that excessive intake of certain vitamins and minerals may actually increase cancer risk and harm healthy cells.’
She also recommended avoiding alcohol and processed meats to further reduce cancer risks.
Alcohol, a known risk factor for seven types of cancer, is estimated to cause 3 per cent of all cancers in the UK, including breast, mouth, and bowel cancers.
Processed meats, such as bacon, contain nitrites and nitrates, which are established carcinogens.
According to Cancer Research UK, processed meat consumption accounts for nearly one in six of the 45,000 bowel cancer cases diagnosed annually in the UK.
In the UK, approximately 385,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, with about half of the population expected to face the disease in their lifetime.
Have you ever reconsidered a health trend after learning about its potential risks? We’d love to hear your thoughts – drop a comment below and let us know!
