People with lung cancer are encouraged to take care of their health as best as they can. For some, this may mean taking dietary supplements to hopefully improve their nutrition and overall condition.

However, supplements are often not an effective cancer prevention strategy, and in some cases may cause more harm than good.

Diet vs. Supplementation

Vitamins are primarily acquired through the foods we eat. A healthy, well-balanced diet will provide a variety of vitamins necessary for good health. Some people may add additional supplements to their diet (usually pills) that contain high doses of certain vitamins.

Because vitamin supplements often contain much higher doses than can be acquired through a normal, healthy diet, people may view supplementation as an easy way to get important nutrients to improve their health.

However, supplementation isn’t a substitute for a healthy diet. In addition to vitamins, fresh food also contains substances like fiber and antioxidants, which help to promote digestion and prevent cell damage.

Getting higher doses of vitamins doesn’t necessarily mean better health. People undergoing treatment for lung cancer should always consult with their health care provider before starting a new supplement.

Learn about some healthy snacks for lung cancer.

Common Dietary Supplements and Lung Cancer Risk

Researchers have studied the benefits and risks of certain dietary supplements in people with lung cancer. When looking at the effect of vitamin supplements, studies take into account the effect of tobacco smoke.

Cigarette smoking is the No. 1 risk factor for lung cancer, and supplements can have different effects based on whether a person currently smokes or previously smoked. Studies have also indicated that some supplements do not affect cancer prevention in most cases.

B Vitamins

Vitamins B6 and B12 are present in many multivitamin supplements. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is also a common dietary supplement. Although B vitamins are essential nutrients, long-term vitamin supplementation may increase the risk of lung cancer among people who smoke, particularly in men. B vitamin supplements did not increase lung cancer risk among those who do not smoke and people who used to smoke.

Vitamin D

In contrast to B vitamins, there is evidence that vitamin D has a protective effect and may reduce the risk of lung cancer. The most significant effect is in people who currently smoke who take vitamin D, but individuals with a smoking history may also benefit from vitamin D. People who don’t use tobacco have higher vitamin D levels, which corresponds to an overall lower risk for lung cancer.

Among people diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), some have low levels of vitamin D. Research shows that people with NSCLC and a vitamin D deficiency may have a better prognosis (outlook) after supplementing with vitamin D.

Learn more about vitamin D and lung cancer.

Vitamin E

Long-term supplementation with vitamin E (also referred to as alpha-tocopherol) may lead to an increased risk of lung cancer among people who currently or used to smoke. Supplementation has also been associated with a higher risk of lung cancer among females who don't smoke but have been exposed to secondhand smoke.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene can be acquired from many different foods and is ultimately converted to vitamin A inside the body. When it comes to high-dose beta-carotene supplements, there is considerable evidence that long-term supplementation can significantly increase the risk of developing lung cancer among current smokers, former smokers, and those exposed to asbestos.

Cancer research has not yet determined exactly why this is the case. To reduce the risk of lung cancer, people in high-risk groups might be recommended to avoid beta-carotene supplements.

Retinol

Like beta-carotene, retinol is also a form of vitamin A. Some studies have shown that high-dose retinol supplements can lead to a higher risk of lung cancer among current and former smokers.

Nutrition and Lung Cancer Risk

Out of caution, people with or at risk for lung cancer should avoid vitamin supplements, unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Most supplements will not be beneficial in reducing lung cancer risk and may even increase the risk for lung cancer.

If you smoke or used to smoke and have taken vitamin supplements, talk to your health care provider about which multivitamins or other nutritional supplements you may want to avoid in the future.

Although there are concerns about dietary supplements, getting the right vitamins is important for your health. Fresh fruits and vegetables may help to reduce the risk of lung cancer. It is generally encouraged to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet instead of taking supplements.

Although it is important to recognize that no dietary change can cure or eliminate the risk of lung cancer, a good diet is important for overall health and may have the potential to lead to improved cancer outcomes.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLungCancerTeam is the social network for people with lung cancer. On MyLungCancerTeam, more than 4,700 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lung cancer.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with lung cancer? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on MyLungCancerTeam.