These common supplements could be raising your cancer risk

Many people consider dietary supplements as the quick fix to improve their health and do not hesitate to take high doses without consultation from a health expert. Many turn to these pills in hopes of preventing cancer, however, indiscriminate use of vitamin and mineral supplements could have dangerous side effects, potentially stimulating tumour growth instead of protecting against it.A dietitian on TikTok has raised concerns about the potential cancer risks linked to common supplements and has warned that high doses of vitamins like C and B12, often taken to boost health, could do more harm than good and could increase the risk of cancer formation. Nichole Andrews, an oncology dietitian in Washington State, says that many common supplements like vitamins C that are known for boosting immune system are often overdosed.The nutritionist says that this practice could be dangerous as the body can't get rid of excess vitamins and instead has to absorb them through the digestive system and into the bloodstream. When they aren't processed well, the supplements can attack healthy cells and stimulate the growth of cancerous tumors. A study published in Cancers, an open access journal from MDPI, explored the overlooked risks of dietary supplements, particularly their potential link to increased cancer risk. With the growing trend of supplement use, the examined how high doses and regular consumption may contribute to cancer development. It was found that while supplementation can benefit at-risk groups, the lack of regulation and long-term safety data raises concerns. Andrews in her recent TikTok video says that people should be getting their nutrients from food which can never cause such effects instead of overloading on supplements if they don't have any deficiencies. Andrews explained that when excess vitamins flood the bloodstream, they form free radicals. According to the National Cancer Institute, these are unstable molecules that attack DNA and disrupt normal cell function, causing cells to mutate and become cancerous. A study by Karolinska Institutet published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that Vitamin C and other antioxidants stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in lung cancer tumours.Another study by The Ohio State University found that male smokers who had high doses of vitamins B6 and B12, had a four-fold increased risk of lung cancer compared to men who didn't take the supplements. However, these studies are observations and more are needed to understand the connection.These side effects aren't observed when Vitamin C and other nutrients are taken through food. Such foods are shown to neutralize free radicals. Citrus fruits like oranges, Indian gooseberry, strawberry are high in vitamin C and must be included in the diet for boosting immunity.Animal proteins like red meat, eggs, and fish are rich in nutrients like vitamin B12.Andrews warned that one doesn't need a supplement to begin with if they aren't deficient in certain nutrients.She said: 'Unless you have a prescription from your doctor, food is enough.'(Picture courtesy: iStock)