A wide range of micronutrients are hypothesized to have cancer preventive properties, and the current popularity of high-dose vitamin supplementation has greatly outpaced available scientific evidence. Prior controlled trials of supplementation have not been convincing, and in several instances have demonstrated adverse effects. DCEG investigators are conducting in-depth research of several micronutrients including vitamins A, D, and E, and are coordinating multi-center, consortium efforts to address research gaps quickly. Examples of studies include:
A study conducted in Finland to evaluate the long-term effects of vitamins on cancer incidence (lung and other cancers), and on overall and cause-specific mortality
Randomized controlled trials were launched in 1985 to test the effects of multiple vitamin and mineral interventions on total mortality and total and cause-specific cancer mortality in a rural Chinese population
DCEG studies of vitamin D metabolites and cancer
A project investigating the associations between vitamin D levels and cancer risk