News
Beta-carotene contributes significantly to adequate vitamin A intake
3 January 2012
The recommended vitamin A intake in general cannot be reached by consuming preformed vitamin A alone, suggests a new review.
19 December 2012
Women with higher blood concentrations of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin may be at reduced risk of breast cancer, says a new data analysis from the US.
To investigate a potential association between carotenoids and breast cancer risk, the study analyzed data from eight cohort studies involving a total of 7011 participants (1). The analysis showed that women with higher levels of individual and total carotenoids had a significantly lower risk for breast cancer risk, with a stronger finding in estrogen receptor–negative (ER-) breast cancers.
The researchers concluded that a diet high in carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables offers many health bene-fits, including a possible reduced risk of breast cancer. The potential preventive effect on ER-tumours could mean that carotenoid intake is one of the first modifiable risk factors for this poor prognosis tumour type. There is some evidence from experimental studies that carotenoids block tumour progression and reduce proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers as well, but it is possible that this effect is hidden by hormone related associations, which overpower other risk factors, the scientists commented.
They said, it is too early to recommend the use of specific high-dose carotenoid supplements for breast can-cer prevention. Earlier this month, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that exposure to beta-carotene from food additives and food supplements at a level below 15 mg/day does not give rise to concerns about adverse health effects in the general population, including for heavy smokers (2).
3 January 2012
The recommended vitamin A intake in general cannot be reached by consuming preformed vitamin A alone, suggests a new review.
30 January 2013
According to a new study from Canada, the two factors most strongly associated with higher vitamin D levels in young children are taking a daily vitamin D supplement and drinking two cups of cow’s milk a day.
10 October 2012
Vitamin D deficiency among Australians is more prevalent and lasts longer than expected, says a new study.