Reduce Cancer Risk

Significant Points

  • QFood supplements like vitamins do not reduce cancer risk.
  • Ongoing research will evaluate newer interventions to lower cancer risk in clinical trials.

Vitamins & Supplements Without Proven Cancer Benefits

The following vitamins and micronutrients have been studied extensively but do not show evidence of reducing cancer risk when taken as supplements.

Vitamins B6 & B12

Essential B vitamins that support nerve function and red blood cell formation.

Vitamin C

An antioxidant vitamin important for immune function and tissue repair.

Vitamin D

Naturally produced when skin is exposed to sunlight, important for bone health.

Vitamin E

A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.

Folic Acid

A B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and cell division.

Selenium

A trace mineral with antioxidant properties found in nuts and grains.

Understanding Cancer Prevention

An action that can cure a disease or prevent it is called an intervention. Despite popular belief, there is limited evidence that vitamins or minerals reduce cancer risk. Certain agents have been extensively evaluated in clinical trials, but research has found that they do not reduce the risk of cancer—and in some cases, may even increase certain risks.

Clinical Trial Evidence

Large-scale clinical trials provide the most reliable evidence about cancer prevention interventions.

SELECT Trial [completed]

The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial

Localized growths that do not spread to other tissues. These tumors remain in their original location and generally do not pose a significant threat to health.

VITAL Trial [Ongoing]

Vitamin D and Omega 3 Trial

An ongoing clinical trial evaluating the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids from fish sources on cancer risk.