The Claim
Beta carotene supplementation increases total mortality by 8% in male smokers aged 50 to 69 over a period of 5 to 8 years, primarily due to increased deaths from lung cancer and ischemic heart disease.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In male smokers aged 50 to 69, taking beta carotene supplements for 5 to 8 years results in an 8% higher death rate compared to not taking them, with more deaths from lung cancer and ischemic heart disease.
See the scientific wording
Beta carotene supplementation increases total mortality by 8% in male smokers aged 50 to 69 over 5 to 8 years, primarily due to increased deaths from lung cancer and ischemic heart disease.
In smokers, beta carotene breaks down into chemicals that damage DNA and increase inflammation in the lungs and blood vessels, leading to more cancer and heart disease.
What the research says
1 studyIn a big study of male smokers, those who took daily beta carotene pills had more deaths overall—8% more—mainly from lung cancer and heart disease, compared to those who took dummy pills. So the supplements made things worse, not better.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.