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Article: Touted Diet Supplement Fails Tests; Beta Carotene Might Harm Some Patients
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- January 19, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Beta carotene, long touted as a cancer fighter, does not
prevent cancer when taken as a dietary supplement, according to the
findings of two studies announced yesterday. On the contrary, the
popular dietary supplement actually increases the risk of lung
cancer and heart disease for some who take it.
Richard D. Klausner, director of the National Cancer
Institute, said that researchers in charge of one study instructed
research subjects to stop taking beta carotene and vitamin A after
scientists observed a 28 percent increase in the number of lung
cancers and a 17 percent increase in deaths among those taking the
supplements, compared with a group taking a placebo.
Klausner expressed ...