Is it possible for dietary supplements and synthesized antioxidants to have no effect or even a very different effect than the natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables? Scientific studies have not definitively answered this question.

This is partly because it would be nearly impossible to devise a study observing diet over long periods of time. There are too many variables involved and people would have a hard time following a strict diet. A possible explanation serving to explain why supplements may not function like the real thing is that there may be unidentified compounds in fruits and vegetables that supply all the benefit. Or, it may not just be one compound. Fruits and vegetables may possess a natural combination of key ingredients that work together.

The effect of beta carotene supplements was tested on lung cancer. The supplements were given to smokers over a long period of time. The trial showed no protection against lung cancer. In fact, some increase was noticed in the group that was given the beta carotene. For smokers, taking beta carotene supplements may actually be detrimental to their health. It is very unclear whether taking supplemental antioxidants will reduce chronic diseases like breast cancer. However, eating fruits and vegetables has always been found to be beneficial to an individual’s health.