Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

unhappycamper

(60,364 posts)
Wed Feb 26, 2014, 07:09 AM Feb 2014

Medical task force says Vitamin E and beta-carotene are no help for heart disease or cancer

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/02/24/medical-task-force-says-vitamin-e-and-beta-carotene-are-no-help-for-heart-disease-or-cancer/



Medical task force says Vitamin E and beta-carotene are no help for heart disease or cancer
By Agence France-Presse
Monday, February 24, 2014 19:40 EST

In yet another blow to the $28 billion vitamin industry, a US task force on Monday urged against taking Vitamin E and beta-carotene to ward off heart disease or cancer.

The latest guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force update the 2003 edition by adding Vitamin E to beta-carotene, a supplement that was already known to be ineffective at preventing the two most fatal diseases in America.

The findings are based on a systematic review of scientific studies which found that Vitamin E does not help — and that beta-carotene supplements could actually do more harm than good.

“Beta-carotene can be harmful because it increases the risk of lung cancer in people who are already at increased risk for the disease,” said Task Force co-chair Michael LeFevre.
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Economy»Medical task force says V...