Antioxidants do not amplify melanoma risk

Antioxidant supplements are not associated with an increased risk of melanoma, according to results from the Vitamins and Lifestyle study.

More than 69,000 men and women participated in the study, designed to examine supplement use and cancer risk (Arch Dermatol 145:879-882, 2009).

Case-control studies examining serologic levels of beta carotene, vitamin E, and selenium did not find any association with subsequent risk of melanoma, according to Maryam M. Asgari, MD, and colleagues at Oakland's Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Participants completed a 24-page questionnaire about lifestyle factors, health history, diet, supplement use, and other cancer risk factors. Previous research has indicated daily supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, selenium, and zinc increase the risk of melanoma.