Vitamin A & Asbestos
Article Highlights
- Several studies using high dose beta-carotene or beta-carotene and vitamin A failed to show a protective effect against cancer or heart disease.
- Some of the same studies showed a higher risk of death from lung cancer or heart disease in asbestos workers who took high dose beta-carotene or beta-carotene plus vitamin A than in the placebo group.
- Studies suggest beta-carotene from food may be safer than synthetic beta-carotene found in dietary supplements.
The same issues applying to vitamin A and smoking also apply to vitamin A and asbestos. See Vitamin A & Smoking for more information.