April 2010
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that use of multivitamins is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
This study found only a modestly increased risk in those who were taking multivitamin supplements, compared to those who did not take multivitamin supplements.
It is important to keep this in perspective of the well established risk factors for breast cancer – ie. obesity, physical inactivity and drinking alcohol are much more significant risk factors for breast cancer.
Cancer Council advises that women taking multivitamin supplements should not be alarmed by these findings, however they should consider whether they really need to take a multivitamin supplement. Adequate vitamin intake for the majority of Australians can be met through a healthy, balanced diet with a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, rather than relying on multivitamin pills.
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