Hello everyone.

I am Yoko Maeda, a cosmetic internal medicine instructor at BIANCA Clinic.

Today, we'll be discussing the shocking topic of whether the supplements we take for health reasons may actually pose a risk to our health!

Beta-carotene, which is contained in carrots, is a very popular nutrient that is expected to have antioxidant properties. However, in fact, beta-carotene has been shown to have adverse effects on certain people, especiallysmokerDid you know that it can be a health risk for you?

This article takes a closer look at the often-overlooked dangers of beta-carotene supplements and the scientific background behind them.

 

What is the "quality difference" between vegetables, supplements, and beta-carotene?

Beta-carotene, which is abundant in carrots and pumpkins, is not only converted into vitamin A in the body, but is also known as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals (active oxygen). Because of this function, it is believed to be useful in preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer and heart disease, and is used in many health foods and supplements.

However, the quality of beta-carotene obtained from natural foods and that obtained through supplements are completely different. Beta-carotene, found in vegetables and fruits, coexists with a wide variety of nutrients, including other vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and they all support each other's functions.

On the other hand, supplements contain high concentrations of beta-carotene alone. This "high dose of a single ingredient" poses unexpected risks, especially for smokers.

 

Shocking scientific findings

This issue has been raised by large-scale clinical trials, most notably the ATBC (Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Prevention Study) study conducted in Finland. This study compared the incidence of lung cancer in former male smokers, dividing them into two groups: one taking vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements and the other taking a placebo.

The results showed that the group who took a daily beta-carotene supplement (20 mg) had significantly more heart disease than the group who took a placebo.The risk of developing lung cancer was 18% higher and the mortality rate was 8% higher.The risk was so clearly elevated that the study was stopped early.

A similar study, the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET), was also conducted in the United States, and it was reported that the incidence of lung cancer increased by 30% in high-risk groups such as smokers and those exposed to asbestos who took beta-carotene (28 mg) and vitamin A supplements.

These results are not just coincidences,Beta-carotene supplements significantly increase lung cancer risk in smokersIt suggests that.

 

Why does beta-carotene turn into a "bad guy"?

The mechanism behind this phenomenon has not yet been fully elucidated, but there are several plausible theories.

Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that damage cellular DNA and large amounts of reactive oxygen species. Normally, beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant that scavenges reactive oxygen species, but when ingested in high concentrations, it is thought that this role may be reversed and it may act as a "pro-oxidant" that generates reactive oxygen species.

This negative effect is particularly pronounced in lung tissue, which is exposed to chronic oxidative stress caused by tobacco, and it is speculated that this may lead to DNA damage in cells and promote the proliferation of cancer cells.

Conclusion: Don't rely solely on supplements, but take a comprehensive approach by reviewing your lifestyle.

If you are a smoker and are concerned about lung cancer prevention, you should avoid taking beta-carotene supplements.Non smoking.
In addition, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and consume a balanced diet of vegetables and fruits that contain beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene, found naturally in foods, maximizes its effectiveness when combined with other antioxidants and nutrients.
Keep in mind that supplements are only for supplemental purposes, and taking high doses based on your own judgment can actually put you at risk of damaging your health. Your health is determined by the choices you make every day, not by supplements.