Vitamin A can cut your risk of melanoma

The ultimate skin protector

It’s somewhat rare for scientists to recommend supplements at all. Especially over food sources of vitamins. Which is what makes this new study especially noteworthy.

Researchers recently found that vitamin A can cut your risk of melanoma. But, in an interesting twist, the protection only comes from supplements.

They looked at data from 69,635 people taking part in the Vitamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) study in Washington state. Those taking vitamin A supplements had significantly lower risk of melanoma. But getting vitamin A from food sources (like liver and spinach) did not reduce melanoma risk.

You don’t need me to tell you that melanoma is serious business. It’s lethal skin cancer. And if something so simple can make such a big impact on your risk, it’s well worth it.

Of course, you’ve also probably heard the warnings about vitamin A toxicity. But keep in mind that it takes huge doses to reach those potentially dangerous levels.

The “tolerable upper intake” of vitamin A is 3,000 micrograms per day. Researchers found the melanoma-protective benefits with doses around 1,200 micrograms per day. Well within the “safe” range.