Taking vitamin and mineral supplements in order to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease is unnecessary and in some cases potentially dangerous. In fact, studies do not confirm protective effects for most of these supplements against tumors and cardiovascular diseases.
On the contrary, the protective effect against various forms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases of a balanced diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and in general foods of vegetable origin, together with regular physical activity, is now well established.
Scientific studies have shown that only calcium supplements are likely to have a preventive effect on colorectal cancer. Apart from this case, the numerous publications available have widely documented that certain vitamins and minerals in certain amounts can only reduce the risk of developing certain cancers if taken through naturally rich foods and drinks. On the contrary, it has been shown that Beta carotene (vit. A) supplementation significantly increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers and former smokers. Even studies on cardiovascular prevention show no evidence of the protective effect of vitamin and mineral supplements, considering that the possible risks must also be taken into account. The use of food supplements is only advisable in cases of need linked to special conditions, e.g. pregnancy, and proven deficiencies in certain micronutrients. In such cases it will be necessary to proceed with specific formulations and always under doctor’s supervision and direction.

Advice from Altroconsumo

- For those who want to follow a balanced diet that reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease, supplements are not a good solution. On the contrary, they may act as an excuse for not correcting proper nutrition, the most useful choice of action.
- In general, a diet that has a preventative function may be obtained like this:
* consume at least five portions of fruit (not forgetting nuts) and vegetables a day. It's enough to include a fruit for breakfast, have a side dish at lunch and dinner, and always choose fruit to finish a meal and/or for snacks between meals;
* increase the consumption of fibre, choosing primariy wholegrain cereals;
* avoid, or reduce to a minimum, the consumption of processed and conserved meat products (cold cuts), choosing fish over meat;
* limit sweets, fried foods, and generally all food rich in fat, sugar, salt and calories;
* limit the consumption of alcohol.

In collaboration with

ADI - Associazione Italiana di Dietetica e Nutrizione Clinica - ONLUS Fondazione Associazione Italiana di Dietetica e Nutrizione Clinica