By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Some studies show that antioxidants can help fight cancer, but new research shows a different outcome.
People pop vitamin E pills for a variety of reasons. It’s thought to protect cells from damage that could cause cancer, helps fight heart disease, and may slow the aging process.
A new study shows Vitamin E and another antioxidant N-acetylcysteine may cause lung tumors to grow.
Dr. Hossein Borghaei, associate professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center, cautions this was not a human study.
“I think the study is intriguing,” he said. “I think it’s very interesting and should be followed up. I think it provides some level of explanation as to why some of the clinical trials that have been done have had varying results.”
He suggests his patients not take such vitamins and supplements during cancer treatment.