Effect of vitamin E and beta carotene on the incidence of lung cancer (ATBC trial)

Researchers followed 29,133 Finnish men aged 50 to 69 who smoked. They randomly assigned them to take vitamin E, beta-carotene, both supplements, or dummy pills for about five to eight years. Beta-carotene was linked to about 18% more lung cancers, while vitamin E did not reduce lung cancer. The results were similar when the supplements were combined.

What this means for you: Smokers should not take beta-carotene supplements to prevent lung cancer, and vitamin E showed no benefit for this purpose. This study does not prove the same effects for nonsmokers or for ordinary food sources of these nutrients.