If you take vitamin supplements to protect your health, you’re not alone. Nearly 70% of adults over age 60 use at least one dietary supplement daily. Many of us believe we’re making smart choices—bolstering our immunity, fighting off disease, and staying sharp. But a new report from National Geographic reveals a troubling truth: some supplements might be silently harming us, not helping.
The Two Main Offenders: Vitamin E and Beta Carotene
In its investigation, National Geographic highlights two antioxidants once thought to be protective: vitamin E and beta carotene. While both are essential nutrients found in healthy foods, research shows that taking them as high-dose supplements may increase the risk of death and chronic disease.
Key findings from the article:
- Vitamin E, widely used to support heart health and immunity, has been shown in meta-analyses to increase all-cause mortality by up to 7% when taken in high doses.
- Beta carotene, often marketed for eye and skin health, is linked to a significantly higher risk of lung cancer in smokers and former smokers, even at moderate doses.
“For decades, people assumed these antioxidants were a silver bullet,” said National Geographic writer Markham Heid. “But multiple large-scale trials found the opposite: instead of helping people live longer or avoid disease, these supplements increased health risks.”
