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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Beta Carotene and smoking
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Beta Carotene and smoking
by luker38, Dec 15, 2006 12:00AM
I would like some clarification about the use of vitamin supplements containing beta carotene and smoking. I am an ex-smoker. I quit smoking regularly several years ago, but would still light up every now and then. I stopped altogether months ago and have no intention, or desire, to start again. I recently read that use of beta carotene by smokers and ex-smokers may lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. I have taken Centrum mulitvitamin for years and that contians 3500 IU of Vitamin A, of which, 29% is beta carotene. Do I need to worry about this? I have since stopped taking the supplement. Can I resume using it? Will I have to avoid multivitamins containing beta carotene from now on? I couldn't even find a multivitamin that didn't contain beta carotene. Thanks for your help...
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Dec 22, 2006 12:00AM
, Dec 22, 2006 12:00AM
It is clear that beta-carotene supplements are not advisable for current smokers. The hazard for carotene supplements in ever smokers is suggestive, but further studies are needed. It would probably be prudent for you to avoid supplements. All the studies suggest that the amount of beta-carotene obtained from food in your diet seems to be safe, without the hazards attributed to supplements.
