Recent research suggests that patients with mesothelioma lung cancer should not take antioxidant supplements, as the supplements may cause the cancer to spread faster than it otherwise might.

Studies published in the medical journal Cell explored the relationship between antioxidant supplements and cancer. Although mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, mesothelioma has many of the same characteristics, so the data is likely also relevant to mesothelioma patients, according to researchers.

Antioxidant supplements may aggravate the cancer cells by helping malignant tumors protect themselves from attack. Cancer Research UK explains that the immune system can sometimes help fight cancer by recognizing cancer cells as being abnormal and kill them. However, antioxidants may build up the cancers cells’ defenses, making it more difficult for the immune system to kill them and, as a result, the cancer may spread.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of respiratory cancer. CNN Health notes that it can be particularly dangerous, despite its rarity, because screening for the condition is usually not part of a routine physical.

Additionally, mesothelioma lung cancer can be asymptomatic, making it harder to detect. Patients with mesothelioma may turn to antioxidants thinking that the supplements will help strengthen their immune system, and even fight the cancer. But according to the American Lung Association, two recent studies indicate that antioxidants may do just the opposite and actually cause lung cancer cells to spread.

Medical News Today explains that humans need antioxidants — found naturally in foods — to stabilize free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can damage cells,  resulting in illness and aging.

Antioxidant supplements have become popular, according to Healthline, and many consumers are attempting to reap the benefits. Antioxidant supplements, however, contain concentrated ingredients and  highly concentrated antioxidants may do more harm than good.

This is of particular concern for patients battling mesothelioma and other types of lung cancer who take antioxidants believing that the supplements may slow cancer’s growth since antioxidants ingested in high doses may be dangerous.

Healthline explains that some research has shown that antioxidant supplement use does not decrease the risk of cancer, and does not decrease a patient’s risk of dying from the cancer once they have been diagnosed. Research instead suggests that antioxidant supplement use may increase a patient’s risk of dying from cancer.

It’s important for mesothelioma lung cancer patients who may be taking antioxidants with the intention of strengthening the immune system to be made aware of the recent studies.  Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, but using antioxidant supplements may make the situation worse.