09 November 2009
High combined intakes of vitamin C and vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin from food may decrease the frequency of chromosome damage in ionizing radiation-exposed persons, a new study reports.
The study examined the association between the frequency of chromosome translocations, as a biomarker of cumulative DNA damage, and intakes of vitamins C and E and carotenoids in 82 male airline pilots (1). The results showed that high dietary antioxidant intakes were associated with a significant decrease in DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation (IR), a cause of cancer.
The intake of antioxidants, which can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated endogenously or exogenously, has been extensively investigated in relation to DNA damage and cancer risk. Ionizing radiation (IR) is an established human cancer factor and an efficient inducer of chromosome abnormalities, which have also been shown to be associated with increased cancer risk in prospective studies. Airline pilots are exposed to elevated levels of cosmic IR.
During past decades, numerous animal or in vitro studies have suggested that antioxidants may provide protection against several forms of DNA damage induced by IR. To date, human data supporting these associations are limited. Of the dietary antioxidants, vitamins C and E and beta-carotene have been the focus of most research.
11 March 2011
An international group of leading researchers in the growing field of carotenoids met at Tufts University, Boston, USA, for an information-packed, two-day conference.
29 June 2013
According to a new US study low blood vitamin K1 concentrations may increase the progression of arterial calcification in people with high blood pressure who take anti-hypertensive medications.
8 September 2015
According to new survey parents in the United Kingdom are unaware of the proper steps to ensure that their child is vitamin D sufficient during the winter months.
