A patient reports taking antioxidant supplements to help prevent cancer. The primary care NP should:

Question

a. review healthy dietary practices with this patient.
b. make sure that the supplements contain large doses of vitamin A.
c. tell the patient that antioxidants are especially important for patients who smoke.
d. tell the patient that evidence shows antioxidants to be effective in preventing cancer.

Answer 1

A
Epidemiologic evidence indicates that people who eat fruits and vegetables regularly have a decreased risk of cancer. Although retrospective studies have suggested major benefits from antioxidants, no intervention studies have determined conclusively that antioxidants prevent cancer. Large doses of vitamin A can produce a yellow hue to the skin. Antioxidants can be beneficial, but in certain populations, such as smokers, they may be harmful.