Multivitamin Use Linked to Increased Cancer Risk: Calls for Prescription-Only Regulation
Multivitamins have long been touted as a way to boost immunity and compensate for poor dietary habits, aiding in the prevention of chronic diseases. However, a recent study suggests that these supplements may be associated with a 30% increased risk of developing cancer, prompting calls for stricter regulations. The “Killing Cancer Kindly” organization in the United Kingdom is advocating for multivitamins to be made prescription-only, with limitations on their long-term use.
This recommendation is based on the belief that multivitamins flood the body with unnecessary nutrients, essentially acting as “superfood” for cancerous cells, fueling their growth and proliferation. In contrast, natural vitamins obtained from food sources are considered safe since they are absorbed slowly by the body.
Several studies have suggested a connection between synthetic vitamin consumption and elevated rates of lung, prostate, bowel, and breast cancers. Specific vitamins like beta-carotene and folic acid have been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and heart disease, as well as the development of precancerous polyps in the colon.
Even medical professionals agree that vitamins should be used judiciously, primarily by individuals diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency and only for the duration necessary to restore their health. While vitamins play a role in maintaining normal metabolic function, they should not be overused.
The primary focus should be on obtaining essential nutrients from a balanced diet. Several natural vitamins are crucial for the body’s health, including:
- Vitamin D: Vital for calcium absorption and bone health, this vitamin can be obtained from sun exposure or by consuming foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified products.
- Magnesium: Essential for energy production and bone strength, magnesium can be found in foods like pumpkin, spinach, soybeans, tofu, brown rice, and nuts.
- Calcium: Necessary for strong bones and teeth, calcium sources include fortified cereals, dairy products, fish, leafy greens, nuts, and legumes.
- Zinc: Important for immune function and metabolic processes, zinc-rich foods include oysters, pumpkin seeds, spinach, tahini, sardines, and whole grains. So, an individuals are encouraged to prioritize a balanced diet and obtain their essential vitamins from natural sources rather than relying on supplements. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional or dietitian before making any significant changes to one’s diet or supplement regimen.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Times Now News English
