When you include the American Institute for Cancer Research in your estate plans, you make a major difference in the fight against cancer.

Corporate Champions who partner with the American Institute for Cancer Research stand at the forefront of the fight against cancer

40 Years of Progress: Transforming Cancer. Saving Lives.

The AICR Lifestyle & Cancer Symposium addresses the most current and consequential issues regarding diet, obesity, physical activity and cancer.

The Annual AICR Research Conference is the most authoritative source for information on diet, obesity, physical activity and cancer.

Cancer Update Program – unifying research on nutrition, physical activity and cancer.

Read real-life accounts of how AICR is changing lives through cancer prevention and survivorship.

We bring a detailed policy framework to our advocacy efforts, and provide lawmakers with the scientific evidence they need to achieve our objectives.

AICR champions research that increases understanding of the relationship between nutrition, lifestyle, and cancer.

Are you ready to make a difference? Join our team and help us advance research, improve cancer education and provide lifesaving resources.

AICR’s resources can help you navigate questions about nutrition and lifestyle, and empower you to advocate for your health.

Supplements & Cancer

Accept No Substitutes

Vitamins and supplements are popular, and they have their uses, but there’s no magic pill for cancer prevention.

What are Dietary Supplements?

Dietary supplements are products that contain “dietary ingredients” and if you’re a person who doesn’t like certain foods — they sound terrific!

Many supplements claim they can deliver all your necessary vitamins and minerals, while others claim to offer levels of micronutrients beyond what is usually achievable through diet alone. Unfortunately, research shows that the “dietary ingredients” in supplements don’t offer the same benefits as eating whole-foods.

 

Do Cancer Prevention Supplements Work?

AICR recommends not using supplements for cancer prevention. When you eat whole foods, your body absorbs a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that get to work together to protect your health. But when a vitamin, fiber or antioxidant is isolated into a supplement, research suggests it may not be absorbed as well by your body as natural foods.

While every individual is different, overall, research shows that supplements do not offer cancer protection or provide benefits to survivors worried about recurrence. In some cases, supplements may even be harmful.

 

Diet over Supplements for Cancer Prevention

You should aim to meet all of your nutritional needs through diet alone. When you eat whole foods, your body absorbs a whole range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that get to work together to protect your health.

AICR has many recommendations for creating a well-balanced diet to help you reduce your risk of cancer and live healthier.

A Blueprint to Beat Cancer

Cancer Prevention Recommendations

If you already follow the New American Plate model, then you’ve started making our Cancer Prevention Recommendations part of your everyday routine. Drawn from exhaustive research, this evidence based guideline can help you make informed choices  about your day-to-day health, and can help you ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect yourself from cancer.

Foods That Fight Cancer

No single food can protect you against cancer by itself. But research shows that a diet filled with a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and other plant foods helps lower risk for many cancers.

FAQS about Supplements and Cancer

What are the best cancer prevention supplements?

The general consensus from research suggests that supplements have no significant impact on cancer prevention. AICR instead recommends getting all of your required nutrients from whole and healthy foods.

 

Are dietary supplements regulated by the FDA?

Dietary supplements are regulated as food by the FDA, not medication. Whilst there is therefore some regulation, supplement makers don’t have to prove claims of health benefits or disease prevention in the same way manufacturers would have to for medications. This means that dietary supplements claiming to prevent cancer may not live up to the claims on their labels.

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