Vitamin E linked to cancer

If you haven't read the latest news about Vitamin E, here it is: Megadoses of Vitamin E are linked to lung cancer, especially in smokers. Sounds scary, doesn't it? Well, it should, considering that, of the people who take vitamins, vitamins A, C and E are most often consumed, often in megadoses, without realizing the potential health dangers. Vitamin E was thought to be safe in large doses, unlike Vitamin A, for example. However, there is evidence that Vitamin E can act as a pro-oxidant instead of an antioxidant in large doses, enhancing and promoting the damage caused by free radicals.

What's the best course of action to take? Well, I believe the best way to get your vitamins is through eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, but if you plan to take vitamin supplements, please don't take more than the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI), also known as the Daily Value (DV).

Please also note that vitamin supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), thus, quality can never be completely assured. That said, if you do buy vitamins, it would be best to choose a major brand name such as Centrum. It contains no more than 100% of the DV for any vitamin listed on its label. I've been taking Centrum daily for 15 years and feel that my health has benefited from this and also from my diet which is rich in vegetables.

In my final closing words, the best way to prevent cancer is to not smoke or to quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death around the world.