Too many antioxidants and cancer?

Question

I heard that too many antioxidants (vitamins c and e were mentioned) can cause cancer in women. Anyone else hear/know anything about this? I was taking supplements of both but now I'm a little scared about doing so.

Answer 1

I have never heard that. Antioxidants work by absorbing free radicals, so the free radicals damage the antioxidant instead of your DNA. Since DNA damage can lead to cancer, this is how antioxidants help prevent cancer.

Too much of any vitamin can cause side effects, but not cancer. Vitamin C is water soluble, so if you consume too much then the excess will flush out of your body in urine. Vitamin E is fat soluble, so excess will be stored in your body fat, but it is the least toxic of any fat soluble vitamin. Too much vitamin E can cause flu like symptoms, and can make it harder for your blood to clot.

Answer 2

No. Antioxidants are cancer fighters. There is no danger in taking them in correct dosages. If you're really concerned try just eating healthy and dump the supplements. They are designed for those who don't' or won't eat properly.

Answer 3

Always remember that supplements are just that they supplement what your body lack`s in nutrients`s so too much of anything is not good for you, but cancer, no.your safe there
Regards
Ryan Dior

Answer 4

Well, from what I see, it looks like very high doses can cause problems. I don't see where they can cause cancer, but they may not be safe to take if you have cancer and are in treatment. This article points to heart failure in particular:

http://www.aphroditewomenshealth.com/news/20070714052343_health_news.shtml

Anyway, I would suggest taking moderate doses, but not high doses.