Lung cancer
Supplements studied for lung cancer.
Overview
Supplement evidence for lung cancer is largely negative or mixed across 48 studies. Black Tea up to five cups daily did not lower lung cancer risk, with one study even finding higher rates though confounding factors may apply. Vitamin E supplements ranging from 55.6 to 600 IU daily did not prevent lung cancer across multiple large trials, though dietary vitamin E may show slight associations.
Vitamin A, Green Tea, and Lutein show inconsistent or unclear preventive results. The heatmap and evidence reviews below compare these findings.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Lutein | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Green Tea | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Reishi | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Quercetin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Nattokinase | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin E | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Inositol | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Flaxseed | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Black Tea | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Multivitamin | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
18 supplements for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Green TeaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research on green tea and preventing liver cancer shows mixed results.
- Two large reviews of studies found that people who drink a lot of green tea, especially women who drink at least 4 cups a day, may have a lower chance of getting liver cancer.
- One large study in China found that women who drank a lot of green tea over many years had a much lower risk of liver cancer.
- But some studies, especially in Japan, didn’t find a clear benefit.
Browse 5 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaGreen tea (Camellia sinensis) for the prevention of cancer2020n=1,795
A Cochrane review found very low-certainty evidence that green tea may reduce some cancer risks, with no clear effect on overall cancer incidence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 1,795
MetaCoffee and tea consumption and risk of lung cancer: a dose-response analysis of observational studies2012
A dose-response meta-analysis found no consistent linear association between black tea intake and lung cancer risk; coffee showed a significant positive linear relationship with lung cancer in the analysis.
MetaGreen tea, black tea consumption and risk of lung cancer: a meta-analysis2009n=22
A meta-analysis pooling green and black tea studies found no consistent overall protective association with lung cancer risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 22
ObservationalGreen tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study2006n=4,209
In the Ohsaki cohort of 40,530 Japanese adults followed up to 11 years, green tea consumption was associated with lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 7 years
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 4,209
- Ages
- 40–79
ObservationalDietary phytoestrogens and lung cancer risk2005n=1,674
In a U.S. case-control study of 1,674 lung cancer cases and 1,735 controls, higher dietary phytoestrogen intake was associated with lower lung cancer risk after adjustment for confounders.
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 1,674
LuteinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research on lutein and lung cancer risk is mixed.
- Some studies show low blood levels of lutein are linked to higher risk, but many find that eating more lutein-rich foods does not clearly lower the chance of lung cancer.
- One large long-term study showed eating small to moderate amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin might reduce lung cancer risk, but the benefit does not increase much at higher amounts.
- Lutein supplements appear safe and do not increase lung cancer risk, unlike beta-carotene supplements, which can increase risk in former smokers.
Browse 5 studies
ObservationalAssociation between Dietary and Supplemental Antioxidants Intake and Lung Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Cancer Screening Trial2023n=98,451
In 98,451 PLCO participants, higher food-based antioxidant intake including lutein/zeaxanthin was associated with lower lung cancer risk (HR Q4 vs Q1 0.64); supplemental antioxidants showed no benefit.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Participants
- 98,451
- Ages
- 55–74
ObservationalLung cancer mortality and serum levels of carotenoids, retinol, tocopherols, and folic acid in men and women: a case-control study nested in the JACC Study2005n=39,242
In 39,242 Japanese adults, higher serum alpha- and beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin were associated with lower lung cancer mortality in men; zeaxanthin/lutein showed a nonsignificant inverse trend in women.
- Duration
- 10 years
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 39,242
- Ages
- 40–79
ObservationalSerum carotenoids and mortality from lung cancer: a case-control study nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) study2003n=39,140
In 147 Japanese lung cancer deaths versus 311 controls, highest-quartile serum alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and canthaxanthin were associated with significantly lower lung cancer mortality.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 years
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 39,140
RCTThe association between lung and prostate cancer risk, and serum micronutrients: results and lessons learned from beta-carotene and retinol efficacy trial2003n=18,314
In CARET nested case-control data, higher serum lutein and zeaxanthin were inversely associated with lung cancer risk in women (OR 0.31 for top vs bottom quartile lutein).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Children under 5
- Participants
- 18,314
ObservationalIntake of specific carotenoids and flavonoids and the risk of lung cancer in women in Barcelona, Spain1998
In 103 female lung cancer cases and 206 controls in Barcelona, intakes of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein were not significantly associated with lung cancer risk after adjustment.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
Vitamin AView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking vitamin A helps treat or prevent lung cancer.
- One big study found that very high doses of vitamin A did not help lung cancer patients live longer.
- Some research suggests it might lower the chance of new tumors after surgery in heavy smokers, but eating more vitamin A in foods shows mixed results.
- Dietary vitamin A intake and supplement use show different effects.
- Taking vitamin A supplements with beta-carotene may increase lung cancer risk in smokers or people exposed to asbestos.
- The effectiveness of oral vitamin A for lung cancer treatment and prevention is unclear.
- A large clinical trial found no survival benefit from high-dose vitamin A in lung cancer patients.
- Some studies suggest vitamin A after surgical removal of lung cancer may reduce new tumors in heavy smokers, but overall observational evidence is conflicting on dietary vitamin A reducing lung cancer risk.
- Importantly, vitamin A with beta-carotene supplements may increase lung cancer risk in smokers or asbestos-exposed people.
Browse 6 studies
ObservationalAssociation between Dietary and Supplemental Antioxidants Intake and Lung Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Cancer Screening Trial2023n=98,451
In 98,451 PLCO participants, higher food-based antioxidant intake including lutein/zeaxanthin was associated with lower lung cancer risk (HR Q4 vs Q1 0.64); supplemental antioxidants showed no benefit.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Participants
- 98,451
- Ages
- 55–74
Controlled trialChanges in cytokine production in vitro during the early phase of birch-pollen immunotherapy2000n=10
A study of 10 found that after a short decrease, probably owing to seasonal variation, the birch-pollen-specific proliferation and the interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-10 production significantly increased when reaching the maintenance dose and during the subsequent pollen season.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 10
RCTEUROSCAN, a randomized trial of vitamin A and N-acetylcysteine in patients with head and neck cancer or lung cancer. For the EUropean Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck and Lung Cancer Cooperative Groups2000n=2,592
The EUROSCAN RCT of 2,592 head-and-neck cancer patients found vitamin A plus NAC did not improve survival or reduce second primary tumors.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 2 years
- Dose
- 300000 IU/day
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 2,592
RCTVitamin A and cancer prevention II: comparison of the effects of retinol and beta-carotene1998n=512
A randomized trial of 512 found that 30 mg/day the relative rate of mesothelioma (the most common single cause of death in our study) for those on retinol compared with those on beta-carotene was 0.24 (95% CI 0.07-0.86).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 5 years
- Dose
- 30 mg/day
- Participants
- 512
RCTEffects of a combination of beta carotene and vitamin A on lung cancer and cardiovascular disease1996
A randomized trial of 18314 found that 25000 IU/day the active-treatment group had a relative risk of lung cancer of 1.28 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.57; P=0.02), as compared with the placebo group.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 4 years
- Dose
- 25000 IU/day
RCTAdjuvant treatment of stage I lung cancer with high-dose vitamin A1993n=18
A randomized trial of 18 patients with stage i non-small-cell lung cancer found that 000 IU/day for 12 months daily oral administration of high-dose vitamin A is effective in reducing the number of new primary tumors related to tobacco consumption and may improve the disease-free interval in patients curatively resected for stage I lung cancer.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 300000 IU/day
- Population
- Patients With Stage I Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
- Participants
- 18
MelatoninView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It’s uncertain if melatonin helps people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer after surgery.
- A study found that taking 20 mg of melatonin daily for a year did not improve survival or symptoms compared to a placebo.
Browse 4 studies
RCTAdjuvant melatonin for the prevention of recurrence and mortality following lung cancer resection (AMPLCaRe): A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial2021n=356
In resected NSCLC patients, melatonin 20 mg nightly for 1 year did not significantly reduce recurrence or mortality versus placebo in this randomized trial.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 2 years
- Dose
- 20 mg
- Population
- Lung cancer patients
- Participants
- 356
RCTA randomized study of chemotherapy with cisplatin plus etoposide versus chemoendocrine therapy with cisplatin, etoposide and the pineal hormone melatonin as a first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients in a poor clinical state1997n=36
In 70 advanced NSCLC patients, cisplatin-etoposide plus melatonin improved tumor response and 1-year survival versus chemotherapy alone in poor-performance patients.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 days
- Dose
- 20 mg/day
- Population
- Cancer patients
- Participants
- 36
Clinical trialBiological and clinical results of a neuroimmunotherapy with interleukin-2 and the pineal hormone melatonin as a first line treatment in advanced non-small cell lung cancer1992n=20
A clinical study of 20 advanced NSCLC patients found IL-2 plus 10 mg/day melatonin produced 20% partial response and 50% stable disease as first-line neuroimmunotherapy.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 10 mg/day
- Population
- Cancer patients
- Participants
- 20
RCTRandomized study with the pineal hormone melatonin versus supportive care alone in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer resistant to a first-line chemotherapy containing cisplatin1992n=32
An RCT of 63 advanced NSCLC patients post-cisplatin failure found 10 mg/day melatonin improved 1-year survival and performance status vs supportive care alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 10 mg/day
- Population
- Cancer patients
- Participants
- 32
NattokinaseView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- There is not enough evidence to determine if nattokinase has any benefit for lung cancer.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaSoy food consumption and lung cancer risk: a meta-analysis using a common measure across studies2013
A meta-analysis converting soy intake to daily grams found each increment in soy protein was borderline associated with lower lung cancer risk (OR 0.98), significant in nonsmokers (OR 0.96).
- Effect
- Benefit
QuercetinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Studies suggest that smokers who eat more quercetin may have a lower risk of lung cancer.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaDietary flavonoid intake and smoking-related cancer risk: a meta-analysis2013n=988,082
A meta-analysis of 35 observational studies (988,082 subjects) found higher dietary flavonoid intake associated with lower smoking-related cancer risk, especially aerodigestive tract cancers.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 988,082
ReishiView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Small studies show that taking reishi mushroom does not shrink lung tumors.
- However, it might help boost the immune system and improve quality of life for people with lung cancer.
- While it does not replace standard cancer treatments, reishi could be a useful addition to support wellbeing during therapy.
Browse 1 study
MetaGanoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment2012
A Cochrane review found insufficient randomized evidence that Ganoderma lucidum improves survival or tumor response in cancer patients.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with cancer that had been diagnosed by pathology
Vitamin DView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking vitamin D prevents lung cancer or helps people live longer after diagnosis.
- Some research suggests people who consume higher amounts of vitamin D may have about a 10% lower chance of developing lung cancer.
- Also, having more vitamin D might be linked to better survival and less chance of the cancer coming back, but this is not certain.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaThe Role of Vitamin D Intake on the Prognosis and Incidence of Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2021n=5,007
A meta-analysis of 10 studies found vitamin D intake was associated with better lung cancer overall survival (HR 0.83) and relapse-free survival (HR 0.79), and lower incidence (OR 0.90).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Cancer patients
- Participants
- 5,007
ZeaxanthinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking zeaxanthin helps prevent lung cancer.
- Studies show that low blood levels of zeaxanthin and other carotenoids are linked to higher lung cancer risk, but higher levels do not seem to lower the chance of dying from lung cancer.
Browse 3 studies
ObservationalLung cancer mortality and serum levels of carotenoids, retinol, tocopherols, and folic acid in men and women: a case-control study nested in the JACC Study2005n=39,242
In 39,242 Japanese adults, higher serum alpha- and beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin were associated with lower lung cancer mortality in men; zeaxanthin/lutein showed a nonsignificant inverse trend in women.
- Duration
- 10 years
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 39,242
- Ages
- 40–79
ObservationalSerum carotenoids and mortality from lung cancer: a case-control study nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) study2003n=39,140
In 147 Japanese lung cancer deaths versus 311 controls, highest-quartile serum alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and canthaxanthin were associated with significantly lower lung cancer mortality.
- Duration
- 8 years
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 39,140
RCTThe association between lung and prostate cancer risk, and serum micronutrients: results and lessons learned from beta-carotene and retinol efficacy trial2003n=18,314
In CARET nested case-control data, higher serum lutein and zeaxanthin were inversely associated with lung cancer risk in women (OR 0.31 for top vs bottom quartile lutein).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Children under 5
- Participants
- 18,314
Black TeaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research shows that drinking up to 5 cups of black tea a day does not lower the risk of lung cancer.
- One study even found higher rates of lung cancer in people who drank black or green tea compared with those who rarely drank tea.
- However, the results may not be reliable because the study did not account for smoking and exposure to harmful substances in addition to other factors.
Browse 4 studies·1 meta-analysis
ObservationalThe consumption of coffee and black tea and the risk of lung cancer2016
In a Montreal case-control study of 1,130 lung cancer cases, black tea consumption was not associated with lung cancer risk after adjusting for smoking (OR 1.05 for daily vs never).
- Effect
- No Benefit
MetaCoffee and tea consumption and risk of lung cancer: a dose-response analysis of observational studies2012
A dose-response meta-analysis found no consistent linear association between black tea intake and lung cancer risk; coffee showed a significant positive linear relationship with lung cancer in the analysis.
- Effect
- No Benefit
ObservationalConsumption of black tea and cancer risk: a prospective cohort study1996n=3,500
In 120,852 Dutch adults followed 4.3 years, black tea consumption was not associated with colorectal cancer risk; initial inverse stomach and lung cancer associations disappeared after adjusting for smoking and diet.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 3,500
- Ages
- 55–69
Tea consumption and cancer1988
In London men followed from 1967, no dose-response link was found between tea consumption and colon, rectal, or prostate cancer; tea was associated with stomach, lung, and kidney cancer deaths before full adjustment.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Men
- Ages
- 45–60
FlaxseedView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research suggests that people who eat more foods containing phytoestrogens, plant compounds also found in flaxseed, may have a lower risk of lung cancer than those who eat less.
- Still, it is not known if flaxseed specifically helps lower the risk of lung cancer.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalDietary phytoestrogens and lung cancer risk2005n=1,674
In a U.S. case-control study of 1,674 lung cancer cases and 1,735 controls, higher dietary phytoestrogen intake was associated with lower lung cancer risk after adjustment for confounders.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 1,674
InositolView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A plain-language summary is not available for lung cancer.
- More studies are needed before any benefit can be considered reliable.
Browse 2 studies
RCTA Randomized Phase IIb Trial of myo-Inositol in Smokers with Bronchial Dysplasia2016n=38
In 38 smokers with bronchial dysplasia over 6 months, myo-inositol (9 g/day) led to regression of dysplastic lesions versus placebo in a phase IIb trial.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 9 g/day
- Participants
- 38
Open-labelA phase I study of myo-inositol for lung cancer chemoprevention2006n=16
In a phase I dose-escalation study of 16 high-risk smokers, myo-inositol (12–30 g/day for 1 month) was tolerable and associated with reduced dysplasia markers.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 18 g/day
- Participants
- 16
- Ages
- 40–74
Vitamin EView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin E supplements does not seem to lower the risk of lung cancer.
- Studies in male smokers, people with diabetes or heart disease, and women using vitamin E supplements ranging from 55.6 IU to 600 IU daily or every other day for several years did not show a lower chance of lung cancer.
- Large analyses confirm that vitamin E supplements do not prevent lung cancer or reduce deaths from the disease.
- However, eating more foods rich in vitamin E, not taking supplements, seems to slightly reduce lung cancer risk.
Browse 6 studies·2 meta-analyses
ObservationalAssociation between Dietary and Supplemental Antioxidants Intake and Lung Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Cancer Screening Trial2023n=98,451
In 98,451 PLCO participants, higher food-based antioxidant intake including lutein/zeaxanthin was associated with lower lung cancer risk (HR Q4 vs Q1 0.64); supplemental antioxidants showed no benefit.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Participants
- 98,451
- Ages
- 55–74
MetaDrugs for preventing lung cancer in healthy people2012n=7,627
In a meta-analysis of 7,627 participants, there is no evidence for recommending supplements of vitamins A, C, E, selenium, either alone or in different combinations, for the prevention of lung cancer and lung cancer mortality in healthy people.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 7,627
MetaThe role of vitamin E in the prevention of cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2007n=67,025
A meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (167,025 participants) found vitamin E did not reduce total mortality or overall cancer but lowered prostate cancer incidence (RR 0.85).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 67,025
RCTEffects of long-term vitamin E supplementation on cardiovascular events and cancer: a randomized controlled trial2005n=9,541
In HOPE-TOO (9,541 patients, ~7 years), 400 IU/day vitamin E did not prevent cancer or major cardiovascular events and increased heart failure risk (RR 1.13).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 400 IU/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 9,541
- Ages
- 55+
RCTVitamin E in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: the Women's Health Study: a randomized controlled trial2005
In the Women's Health Study (39,876 women, 600 IU EOD for 10.1 years), vitamin E did not reduce major cardiovascular events or total cancer but lowered cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.76).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 600 IU/day
- Population
- Women
- Ages
- 45+
RCTThe effect of vitamin E and beta carotene on the incidence of lung cancer and other cancers in male smokers1994n=29,133
In an RCT of 29,133 participants, 50 mg/day, total mortality was 8 percent higher (95 percent confidence interval, 1 to 16 percent) among the participants who received beta carotene than among those who did not, primarily because there were more deaths from lung cancer and ischemic heart disease.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 50 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 29,133
- Ages
- 50–69
Vitamin KView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if eating vitamin K lowers the chance of getting lung cancer.
- Studies show that people who eat more than 42 to 46 micrograms of vitamin K2 every day have a much lower risk of lung cancer and dying from it, compared to those who eat less than 23 to 26 micrograms daily.
- Eating vitamin K1 does not seem to lower lung cancer risk or death.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalDietary vitamin K intake in relation to cancer incidence and mortality: results from the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Heidelberg)2010n=24,340
In an observational study of 24,340 participants, multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated by using Cox proportional hazards models.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Cancer patients
- Participants
- 24,340
- Ages
- 35–64
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking N-acetylcysteine by mouth does not stop new lung cancers from developing in people who have had lung cancer.
- Also, using N-acetylcysteine alone or with vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) does not improve survival or reduce cancer events in these patients.
Browse 2 studies
RCTEUROSCAN, a randomized trial of vitamin A and N-acetylcysteine in patients with head and neck cancer or lung cancer. For the EUropean Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck and Lung Cancer Cooperative Groups2000n=2,592
The EUROSCAN RCT of 2,592 head-and-neck cancer patients found vitamin A plus NAC did not improve survival or reduce second primary tumors.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 2 years
- Dose
- 300000 IU/day
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 2,592
N-acetylcysteine for lung cancer prevention1995
A prevention study discussed NAC's glutathione-mediated detoxification as a theoretical basis for lung cancer chemoprevention, but clinical cancer endpoints were not established.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)View supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking riboflavin (vitamin B2) by itself lowers the risk of lung cancer.
- One study in Chinese people found that taking riboflavin with niacin did not reduce lung cancer risk compared to no treatment.
Browse 1 study
RCTLung cancer chemoprevention: a randomized, double-blind trial in Linxian, China2006n=147
A randomized trial of 147 healthy adults found that no significant interactions were seen for age, sex, or smoking status.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 147
Vitamin B9 (Folate)View supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking folic acid helps reduce the risk of lung cancer.
- Research shows that having enough folate in the diet may lower lung cancer risk by about 40% in people who used to smoke.
- However, some studies suggest that high doses of folic acid supplements, especially when combined with vitamin B12, might increase lung cancer risk and deaths, particularly in smokers.
Browse 2 studies
ObservationalDietary folate intake and lung cancer risk in former smokers: a case-control analysis2003
An observational study found that dietary folate intake from natural food was significantly higher among the controls than among the cases (P < 0.001), and folate intake above the control median value was associated with a 40% decreased risk of lung cancer (adjusted OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.45-0.79).
- Effect
- Benefit
RCTAssociation of the B-vitamins pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B(6)), B(12), and folate with lung cancer risk in older men2001
A randomized trial in men found that adjusting for any of the other serum factors (folate, B(12), and homocysteine) either alone or jointly did not significantly alter these estimates.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Men
MultivitaminView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It’s not clear if taking a multivitamin every day helps prevent lung cancer.
- Studies that followed people for up to 18 years found no lower risk of lung cancer in those who took multivitamins.
- Experts say there isn’t enough evidence to know if multivitamins can help prevent any type of cancer.
- Some vitamins, like beta-carotene, may actually raise lung cancer risk in people already at high risk.
Browse 2 studies
GuideVitamin, Mineral, and Multivitamin Supplementation to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement2022
A USPSTF evidence review found insufficient evidence that multivitamin or mineral supplementation prevents cardiovascular disease or cancer in healthy adults.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
Intakes of vitamins A, C and E and folate and multivitamins and lung cancer: a pooled analysis of 8 prospective studies2006
A pooled analysis found intakes of vitamins A, C, E, folate, and multivitamins were not consistently associated with reduced lung cancer risk.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Ages
- 6–16
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★52% | 6 | 0 | 13% |
| Vitamin E | ★★★★★40% | 6 | 2 | 13% |
| Green Tea | ★★★★★52% | 5 | 2 | 10% |
| Lutein | ★★★★★52% | 5 | 0 | 10% |
| Black Tea | ★★★★★40% | 4 | 1 | 8% |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★48% | 4 | 0 | 8% |
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★48% | 3 | 0 | 6% |
| Inositol | ★★★★★40% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Multivitamin | ★★★★★24% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★32% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★32% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Flaxseed | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Nattokinase | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Quercetin | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Reishi | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |