Monika Wassermann, Medical Director at Olio Lusso shared that other lifestyle factors could also play a role in the link between beta carotene and lung cancer.
She said: “Generally, taking beta carotene supplements in moderate amounts is not linked to a higher risk of cancer in non-smokers.
“Most studies show that beta carotene supplements can boost cancer risk in smokers. Smoking can heighten risk of lung or prostate cancers.
“Smokers taking beta carotene supplements are likely to have cancer as the pills increase chances of developing angiogenic genes in the endothelial cells, speed up cellular proliferation in lung cells and pulmonary adenocarcinoma.”