After hearing researchers report on various cancers (gastrointestinal and skin), I found the evidence so compelling. The researchers tested 50 milligrams (83,000 IU) of beta-carotene, 600 IU Vitamin E, 500 milligrams Vitamin C and 100-micrograms selenium.
You should note that intakes of beta-carotene above 20 milligrams per day would probably turn your skin yellow, most notably on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and possibly the whites of your eyes. Please note that the retinol form of Vitamin A is toxic and should not be substituted for beta-carotene. The beta-carotene form of Vitamin A is not toxic. The adult male RDA for Vitamin A is 1,000 RE (Retinol Equivalents or 5,000 IU) per day, 10 IU (International Units) of Vitamin E, 60 milligrams Vitamin C and 70 micrograms of selenium. So you can see that the level of supplements far exceeds your Recommended Dietary Allowances. Remember that food sources of these vitamins will add to the vitamin supplements you take.
There has been conflicting evidence in the literature with the Finish study where smokers had a higher incidence of lung cancer if they took beta-carotene which I’m sure has confused the public. In addition, another report recently stated that antioxidant supplements are not as effective as fresh fruits and vegetables. This human body was designed thousands of years ago and depended on raw whole foods for survival. It does not absorb nutrients from pills very efficiently.
As to the organic state of the supplements, your body does not know from whence the vitamin came if it is in a biologically active form. Your body recognizes a particular chemical structure as being a nutrient. Also, the level of selenium supplement you are taking is far below your RDA.
