Beta-carotene may increase risk of cancers in women smokers

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study of French women suggests that high beta-carotene intake is linked with a higher risk of tobacco-related cancers in smokers.
Since beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant, it might be expected to reduce the risk of cancer. However, results have been conflicting. Researchers in France now report on the relationship between beta-carotene and cancer in a group of nearly 60,000 women who were followed up for around seven and a half years.

During this time, 700 women developed a cancer known to be related to smoking. Among those who had never smoked, beta-carotene - whether in the diet or by supplement - was protective against these cancers. But among smokers, the reverse was found to be true. It is not clear why this should be, but it does suggest that giving up smoking is the best way of allowing beta-carotene to exert its benefits.

Source
Journal of the National Cancer Institute 21st September 2005 Volume 97 pages 1338-1344