Two new research studies, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association say vitamin supplements won't cut your risk of developing cancer but not everyone agrees.
Connie Tesky, RN at the Wausau Wellness Center says vitamins may help protect your body but Dr. Chris Peterson with Aspirus Hospital in Wausau says a balanced diet would be more helpful.
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.4 million cancer cases were diagnosed in the US in 2008, and doctors say that number has many people looking for ways to prevent cancer.
"What we've seen with vitamins is a lot of hope that unfortunately has not progressed into concrete data that they do work," says Dr. Peterson.
Dr. Peterson is a Hematologist and Oncologist who works specifically with cancer patients. He says researchers have studied vitamins for years and says taking high doses of any vitamin could do more harm than good.
" In several studies taking a significant dose of these vitamins has actually been harmful and you may develop cancer at a higher rate. "
Over at the Wausau Wellness Center they disagree.
"The research is complete and I don't think it is sufficient enough to blatantly say it's not going to do any good," says Tesky.
Tesky is a registered nurse and now works with a doctor who specializes in using natural remedies. Her advice is to figure out what works for you.
"It's an individual thing. Any one that has a concern should definitely talk to their doctor and your naturopathy... if you've been given a cancer diagnosis what do you have to lose."
Below is a link to the studies published in the Journal Of The American Medical Association, Aspirus Cancer Center and the Wausau Wellness Center.