Study: Those Exposed to Asbestos Should Not Take Beta-Carotene

Taking beta-carotene health supplements could increase the risk of lung cancer or death from cardiovascular disease for anyone who is regularly exposed to asbestos, according to a panel of medicine experts. Based on existing scientific evidence, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concluded recently that the potential harms of beta-carotene supplements outweigh any benefits, particularly for those with occupational exposure to asbestos. The task force, an independent group of medical volunteers, makes recommendations about clinical preventive services. In the same report, it also said vitamin E provided no benefit in preventing lung cancer or cardiovascular disease, rejecting a long-held belief. Both beta-carotene and vitamin E are popular antioxidants taken for their potential health and anti-aging benefits. They are known for their ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, common contributors to heart disease and various cancers. “The most serious harm identified was increased cardiovascular disease mortality and increased risk of lung cancer in persons who smoke, or had workplace asbestos exposure, associated with beta-carotene supplementation,” the report stated. Beta-Carotene Warning Comes from Credible Source The well-respected task force, which is not government affiliated, includes doctors from Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine, among others. Before p...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos Exposure Clinical Trials/Research/Emerging Treatments Source Type: news