Dear Dr. Roach: In a recent column, you said that “current or former smokers should not take the standard supplement, as it contains beta carotene, which may increase lung cancer risk.” By “standard supplement,” are you referring to AREDS? Also, I have never heard that smokers or former smokers should not take beta carotene. Why? I have not smoked in more than 30 years. Would this affect me? — V.W.

Answer: Two large studies showed the benefit of vitamin supplementation in slowing the progression of macular degeneration.

The first one, the AREDS, used a combination of vitamins, including beta carotene. The second, AREDS2, did not.

A different study, designed to determine whether vitamin supplements help to prevent smokers from getting lung cancer, found that active smokers taking beta carotene were more likely to get lung cancer.

That study had some methodological weaknesses, but most experts recommend against current smokers taking a supplement with beta carotene. That’s why I recommend that people with macular degeneration use the AREDS2 formulation, which is appropriate for both smokers and nonsmokers.

I would recommend that former smokers use the AREDS2 formulation, based only on minimizing risk.

Please note that foods high in beta carotene are still thought to be helpful in reducing risk for many conditions, including heart disease and several cancers, for smokers and for nonsmokers (but quitting is the best way to reduce cancer risk).

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.