Scientists Warn That Vitamins and Diet Trends May Secretly Fuel Cancer Instead of Fighting It!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 15, 2025 3 weeks, 2 days, 8 hours, 46 minutes ago
Medical News: New research challenges health myths and warns against unregulated supplement use and popular dietary fads
A new study led by prominent international researchers has cast serious doubt on the widespread belief that over-the-counter vitamin supplements and trendy diets are helpful in cancer prevention or treatment. In fact, the findings suggest that when taken without medical supervision, these popular practices could be doing more harm than good—possibly even encouraging tumor growth in some patients.
Scientists Warn That Vitamins and Diet Trends May Secretly Fuel Cancer Instead of Fighting It
The research team was led by Dr. Salvatore Cortellino and Professor Antonio Giordano, President of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) and molecular oncologist affiliated with Temple University in the United States and the University of Siena in Italy. Also contributing were Dr. Teresa Esposito from the Department of Clinical Dietetics and Metabolic Diseases at Cavalier Raffaele Apicella Hospital in Naples, and Dr. Francesca Pentimalli from LUM University ‘Giuseppe De Gennaro’ in Bari. Their work, published in the journal Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, dives deep into the scientific evidence behind vitamin use and dietary interventions in cancer care. This
Medical News report examines their key findings and recommendations in a way that’s easy for the general public to understand.
The Risks of Vitamins Without Medical Guidance
While it's true that vitamins are essential to human health and play critical roles in protecting the body from disease, the study shows that taking high doses of supplements without professional guidance can backfire. Many people assume that "more is better" when it comes to vitamins, but the reality is far more complicated—especially for cancer patients.
The researchers highlighted a condition known as hypervitaminosis, where an overdose of certain vitamins—especially fat-soluble ones like A, D, E, and K—can accumulate in the body and cause harmful effects. In people undergoing cancer treatment or already weakened by the disease, this imbalance may even help tumors grow more aggressively. Rather than being a protective shield, these supplements can turn into silent threats when used inappropriately.
Fad Diets Fail to Deliver in Cancer Therapy
The study also warns against popular diet trends like intermittent fasting, ketogenic diets, or extreme veganism, which are often promoted online and by celebrity influencers as miracle cures or cancer-fighting regimens. While such diets have shown some benefits in preclinical lab models, they have not yet demonstrated significant results in human cancer patients.
In fact, these restrictive diets can sometimes make things worse—leading to malnutrition, muscle wasting (also known as cachexia), and a decline in strength and immunity, particularly in older or frail patients. The authors argue that these diets often lack the necessary
calories and nutrients to support recovery, especially when paired with chemotherapy or other intensive treatments.
Balance and Professional Support Are Key
Professor Giordano emphasizes that no amount of vitamins or popular diets can replace proper medical care and nutrition advice. “There is no substitute for evidence-based medicine and a personalized approach to nutrition,” he states. The research team urges patients and caregivers to consult medical professionals—such as physicians, clinical dietitians, or oncologists—before starting any supplements or significant dietary changes.
Instead of relying on pills or restrictive eating plans, the researchers strongly endorse a traditional Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, healthy fats, and lean proteins. This diet not only provides a natural balance of vitamins and minerals but also supports long-term health and well-being. It’s an approach backed by decades of science and incorporated into public health guidelines such as the European Code Against Cancer.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study sends a clear message to anyone navigating cancer care—whether as a patient, family member, or healthcare provider. While vitamins and special diets may seem like harmless additions or shortcuts to better health, they carry hidden dangers when used without proper supervision. Relying on flashy wellness trends or unregulated supplements can actually interfere with treatment, contribute to malnutrition, and in some cases, fuel tumor progression. True health and recovery come from evidence-based medical care, proper nutritional guidance, and a balanced lifestyle rooted in scientifically validated approaches. No supplement or fad can replace that. Cancer patients should always seek professional guidance and avoid experimenting with their health based on internet advice or commercial marketing.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14737140.2025.2501077
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