Vitamin A can prevent cancer
FalseThe Claim
Some people believe that taking high doses of vitamin A can prevent cancer due to its antioxidant properties.
Origin
This myth likely stems from early laboratory studies and animal research suggesting that antioxidants can neutralize free radicals, which are associated with cancer development.
What Science Says
Current evidence, including large cohort studies and meta-analyses, shows no significant preventive effect of vitamin A supplementation on cancer risk. In some cases, high doses of vitamin A have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as lung cancer in smokers. Hence, supplementation for cancer prevention is not supported by current research.
Verdict
False