|
|
Article: Beta-carotene: no magic bullet. (research results do not support use of antioxidant to prevent cancer)
- Article from:
- Nutrition Action Healthletter
- Article date:
- March 1, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1996 Center for Science in the Public Interest. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
"Instead of taking beta-carotene supplements, eat your fruits and vegetables," said Harvard University's Charles Hennekens at a hastily called press conference last January.
The problem: In two major trials--the Physicians' Health Study and the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET)--high doses of the popular antioxidant failed to cut the risk of cancer or heart disease, explained Hennekens and others.
Worse yet, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was halting the CARET trial 21 months early because its beta-carotene-takers--almost all heavy smokers or ex-smokers--were showing a higher risk of lung cancer and heart disease... just like the smokers in ...