Alpha-tocopherol supplementation may have unexpected adverse effects on the occurrence of second primary cancers and on cancer-free survival in patients with head and neck cancer, according to a new study in the April 6 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Studies have found an association between low dietary intake of antioxidants and an increased risk of cancer, but trials that have tested the cancer-preventive effects of antioxidant supplementation have had mixed results. Two of the most studied vitamins have been alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.
