The recommendations of this Report, in common with its
general approach, are food based. Vitamins, minerals, and
other nutrients are assessed in the context of the foods and
drinks that contain them.
source of nourishment is foods and drinks, not dietary supplements.
There is evidence that high-dose dietary supplements
can modify the risk of some cancers. Although some
studies in specific, usually high-risk, groups have shown evidence
of cancer prevention from some supplements, this
finding may not apply to the general population. Their level
The Panel judges that the best387
C H A P T E R 1 2 • P U B L I C H E A L T H G O A L S A N D P E R S O N A L R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
of benefit may be different, and there may be unexpected
and uncommon adverse effects. Therefore it is unwise to recommend
widespread supplement use as a means of cancer
prevention. Further details of evidence and judgements can
be found in Chapter 4.
In general, for otherwise healthy people, inadequacy of
intake of nutrients is best resolved by nutrient-dense diets
and not by supplements, as these do not increase consumption
of other potentially beneficial food constituents.