Can vitamin and mineral supplements prevent cancer?

There is no evidence taking vitamin or mineral supplements can stop you getting cancer.

However, there is evidence taking some supplements can do more harm than good. For example, taking beta-carotene supplements can increase your risk of lung cancer if you're a smoker.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients your body needs in small amounts to work properly. Most people can get all the nutrients they need from eating a healthy balanced diet.

Supplements are recommended for some people, such as all children aged six months to five years and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, most people don't need to take supplements. For more information, see Do I need vitamin supplements?

A 2012 review of the results of clinical trials on taking antioxidant vitamin supplements found that:

• taking supplements did not increase people's life expectancy
• taking vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E may increase people's risk of death

If you do take supplements, be aware that taking too much or taking them for too long could have harmful effects. Read more about vitamins and minerals.