Medical Intervention
Risks of Popular Supplements: Selenium, Ephedra, and Antioxidants Increase the Risk of Death
Selenium may increase the risk of diabetes; ephedra is banned due to its association with heart disease and stroke. A Cokoran Collaboration analysis of 47 studies found that intake of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin A increases the risk of death. Excessive intake of multivitamins is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Antioxidants in food (from fruits and vegetables)...
2026-04-11
The Truth About Popular Supplements: Risks of Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Ephedrine
Many popular supplements have been found to have potential risks: beta-carotene increases the risk of cancer in smokers; high doses of vitamin E increase the risk of death; selenium may increase the risk of diabetes; ephedra has been banned because it causes heart disease and stroke. The Consumers Union warns of more than a dozen "unclean" supplements. Antioxidants from food (fruits and...
2026-04-10