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Vitamins and cancer

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Can’t remember where I read this, but folic acid may cause cancer. Also, carrots (beta-carotene) may increase lung cancer risks in smokers. I find the latter hard to believe, but there was some mechanism by which this made sense. There is also a lot of controversy about whether it is better to avoid antioxidants during chemo or radiation since their mechanism of action sometimes involves the creation of free radicals.

Of course, when you’re pregnant folic acid is a must. You can’t really avoid folic acid in multivitamins either, so what are we supposed to do with this information?

Broccoli has been shown to prevent colon cancer and skin cancer (Go Verdure Matte Moisturizing Physical Sunscreen with Antioxidants!) . We are told to keep eating more plant based foods to prevent cancer and obesity. Of course, many of these crops are laden with pesticides unless they’re organic. Even with effort, I can’t eat 100% organic.

Fish is supposed to be good for you. But with mercury, this horrible oil leak and whatever toxins/drugs are spilled into our water supply does this mean that I am permitted to eat more Happy Meals and In-and-Out burgers?

Tags: antioxidants, broccoli, skin, Skin Cancer, sunscreen, vitamins
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