Cancer Prevention - Recommendation 8

Recommendation 8:
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone

Dietary supplements are not recommended for cancer prevention.  This may not always be feasible. In some situations of illness or dietary inadequacy, supplements may be valuable
The evidence shows that high-dose nutrient supplements can be protective or can cause cancer.

The studies that demonstrate such effects do not relate to widespread use among the general population, in whom the balance of risks and benefits cannot confidently be predicted. A general recommendation to consume supplements for cancer prevention might have unexpected adverse effects.
Increasing the consumption of the relevant nutrients through the usual diet is preferred.

The recommendations of this Report, in common with its general approach, are food based. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are assessed in the context of the foods and drinks that contain them. The Panel judges that the best source of nourishment is foods and drinks, not dietary supplements.

There is evidence that high-dose dietary supplements can modify the risk of some cancers. Although some studies in specific, usually high-risk, groups have shown evidence of cancer prevention from some supplements, this finding may not apply to the general population. Their level of benefit may be different, and there may be unexpected and uncommon adverse effects. Therefore it is unwise to recommend widespread supplement use as a means of cancer prevention.

In general, for otherwise healthy people, inadequacy of intake of nutrients is best resolved by nutrient-dense diets and not by supplements, as these do not increase consumption of other potentially beneficial food constituents. The Panel recognises that there are situations when supplements are advisable.