Multivitamins may help guard against cancer
In a recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, it was found that daily multivitamin supplementation reduced the risk of total cancer in men by 8 per cent.
When John Chia read that a diet high in antioxidants could slash a person's risk of developing cancer, he began to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into his diet. Not satisfied with just eating healthily, he also started taking dietary supplements daily for "extra antioxidant insurance".
"At 41, I feel better than ever," says the father of three. "If antioxidants can prevent cancer, then I'm guessing that the higher my antioxidant intake, the higher my level of protection."
He might be on to something. In a recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, it was found that daily multivitamin supplementation reduced the risk of total cancer in men by 8 per cent. Although the study showed it did not reduce the risk of prostate cancer and site-specific cancers such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer and bladder cancer, and cancer mortality, the results are nevertheless significant.
According to registered dietician Carmen Lo Ka-man, cancer results from damage to DNA in cells, causing the cells to grow out of control. There are a number of causes that lead to cell damage, among them chemicals found in cigarette smoke, radiation from too much sun or radioactive exposure, pesticides or herbicides in food, genetic abnormalities, and even some viruses.
Lo adds that the food we eat also affects DNA function, although the exact mechanisms are unclear. "The link between diet and cancer is complicated, and scientists have not yet unravelled the exact mechanisms involved. This is because diets are made up of different foods containing many nutrients that interact in different ways in individuals," she says. Based on scientific evidence, the World Cancer Research Fund has produced recommendations on food, nutrition and physical activity to help reduce the risk of cancer.
Only whole-food vitamins offer the nutrients in the complex form found in food, ones known to offer protective benefits
Although the study is encouraging, it is important to remember that multivitamins are not the magic bullet when it comes to cancer prevention. What is more effective is adopting habits that support our immune system and optimise cell function. In addition to taking antioxidant-rich multivitamins, which support our own antioxidant production and neutralise excessive free radicals that can damage DNA, it is imperative that we eat well, stay adequately hydrated, minimise our intake of toxins, get adequate exercise and sleep, and live a balanced lifestyle, says Charles Au, co-founder and director of Verita Advanced Wellness in Singapore.