Vitamin supplementation low-risk, but not rewards-filled

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent column on vitamin C. I am 88 years old, and my family and I have taken supplemental vitamins most of our lives. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and survived it with radiation treatments and a change of diet. I had taken a handful of vitamins every day for years, including 400 IU of vitamin E. My doctors told me that my prostate cancer probably was caused by taking too much vitamin E.

My sister took a handful of vitamins every day and recently died from liver cancer. I believe her liver cancer was caused from vitamin toxicity, too, but the family is not talking about it, so I don’t know for sure. I have stopped taking vitamins altogether and instead rely on a healthier diet, but am considering going back to taking a low-dose multivitamin or just vitamin C and a heart-healthy fish oil. What is your opinion? -- E.O.

ANSWER: A large randomized, controlled trial published in 2011 showed that 200 IU daily of vitamin E by itself increased the risk of prostate cancer. There were about two extra cases of prostate cancer per year found per 1,000 men taking the vitamin E (9.3 cancers per 1,000 men per year on placebo, 10.9 cancers per 1,000 men per year of men taking vitamin E). The risk is low, but since there has been no significant benefit from vitamin E shown, it is not recommended.

The evidence on liver cancer is more reassuring. A study from China did not show an increase in risk of liver cancer among vitamin users. People with large intake of vitamin E, either from diet or from supplements, had a small decrease in risk of liver cancer.

A new study published in May provided more evidence that a daily vitamin supplement or a daily vitamin C has limited value. Fish oil (omega3) remains controversial, with a new study due to be released soon. As yet, the evidence is not compelling that it reduces heart disease risk the way that eating two or more servings of fatty fish a week does.

READERS: The booklet on edema and lymphedema provides information on the causes of foot and ankle swelling. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach, Book No.106, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.