Picture credit: Lifespan.org
Vitamin E [wikipedia] is well-known to be an antioxidant for protecting cell membranes from oxidation by reacting with lipid radicals produced in the lipid peroxidation chain reaction. Usually it is believed harmless, but now you need to think again!
In a study led by Dr Christopher Slatore of the University of Washington in Seattle, it was found taking high doses of vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of lung cancer. The research results was published the March Issue of American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
The US study of 77,000 people found taking 400 milligrams per day long-term increased cancer risk by 28% - with smokers at particular risk.
The researchers followed people aged between 50 and 76 for four years and looked at their average daily use of vitamin C and folic acid, and vitamin E supplements.
Over the course of the study, 521 people developed lung cancer.
Smoking, family history and age all had unsurprisingly strong links to cancer risk.
And while neither vitamin C or folic acid use had any effect on lung cancer risk, vitamin E use did.
The researchers extrapolated their findings, and concluded that over a decade, there was an additional 7% increase in risk for every 100 milligrams taken per day.
The vitamin E trend was most prominent among smokers, but was not confined to them.
But the US researchers speculate that, in high doses, it may also act as a pro-oxidant - causing oxidation and therefore damage to cells.
Source: BBC