Vitamin supplements do not cut risk of gastrointestinal cancer

Supplements of antioxidant vitamins do not reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, and some may be associated with an increased risk of death, concluded a systematic review published last week.

The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group reviewed all randomised trials that compared antioxidant supplements with placebo for the prevention of gastrointestinal cancers. The group assessed the incidence of gastrointestinal cancers, overall mortality, and adverse effects in 14 randomised trials, which comprised a total of 170 525 participants (Lancet 2004;364: 1219-28).

Vitamins A, C, and E; β …