Most colorectal cancers develop from benign polyps — but a recent study may offer hope for prevention, I heard from Luigina Bonelli, MD, of Italy’s National Institute for Cancer Research.

For five years, patients who had colon polyps removed took a daily antioxidant combination supplement containing 200 micrograms of selenomethionine (a compound containing the mineral selenium plus an amino acid)… 30 milligrams (mg) of zinc… 6,000 international units of vitamin A… 180 mg of vitamin C… and 30 mg of vitamin E. Results: Supplement users were 40% less likely than placebo users to develop new polyps during the 13-year follow-up.

Best: If you’ve had polyps, ask your doctor whether supplementing with antioxidants is appropriate for you.