Nutritional supplements with antioxidants, considered to be a prophylactic agent in the fight against cancer, can actually contribute to the aggressive growth of malignant tissue and the appearance of metastases, MedicalXpress reported.

During experiments on mice and human tissues, scientists were able to uncover mechanisms that protect cancer cells from the by-products of their own aggressive growth. The key role here is played by the BACH1 protein, which is a component of the signaling network associated with the migration of cancer cells and their invasion of healthy tissues.

The study also showed that mutations occur in non-small cell lung cancer, which enhance the activity of the NRF2 protein and promotes the formation of antioxidants. This reduces the number of molecules involved in the production of reactive oxygen species and causing oxidative stress. Some of these compounds cleave the BACH1 protein. However, with an increase in the content of antioxidants, BACH1 is protected and helps cancer cells to spread.

Thus, antioxidants in this case not only do not contribute to the prevention of cancer, but also, on the contrary, help it to spread. Moreover, the same effect has vitamin E, included in the composition of food additives.