A surge in lung and stomach cancer risk is associated with regular use of beta-carotene supplements.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the intake of beta-carotene supplements and the odds of developing cancer by meta-analysis. Researchers systematically reviewed data extracted from 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

The researchers observed that smokers, asbestos workers, and individuals who regularly took 20-30mg of beta-carotene supplements per day had high risk of developing stomach and lung cancer. On the other hand, the usage of beta-carotene supplements was found to have no beneficial effect in the prevention of cancers of the skin, breast, prostate, colon, rectum, and pancreas. The results of this study provide evidence that further strengthen the hypothesis that the use of beta-carotene supplements may not inhibit the development of cancerous cells and tumors in the skin, breast, prostate, colon, rectum, and pancreas.