Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Inadequate intake of antioxidants (Vitamins C and E) mimics radiation exposure by failing to neutralize oxidative by-products of metabolism, leading to oxidative DNA damage and increased cancer risk.
Smokers and those with low fruit/vegetable intake are at higher risk of oxidative DNA damage. Ensure adequate intake of Vitamin C and E through diet or supplements to neutralize free radicals. Be cautious with very high doses of single antioxidants, as they may have adverse effects.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Ingesting inadequate amounts of dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, mimics radiation exposure.
Why this rating
Strong mechanistic evidence and epidemiological support, though some supplementation trials show variable results.
Source
Micronutrient Deficiencies: A Major Cause of DNA Damage
Bruce N. Ames · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 1999
DOI 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1999.tb08727.x
narrative_reviewCited 174×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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- Deficiencies in specific micronutrients (folate, B12, B6, C, E, iron, zinc, niacin) cause DNA damage through mechanisms mimicking radiation, including single/double-strand breaks and oxidative lesions, thereby increasing cancer risk.Good
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