30 May 2014
According to a new review from China, an increased intake of vitamin A may result in a decreased risk for bladder cancer.
The meta-analysis included 25 epidemiological studies that measured blood vitamin A (retinol) concentrations and documented cases of bladder cancer among a total of 11,580 participants (1). The study results showed that a high blood level of retinol was significantly linked to a reduced risk for developing bladder cancer. Moreover, high blood levels of total carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, were asso- ciated with a significant reduction in risk for developing bladder cancer.
The researchers commented that vitamin A is hypothesized to reduce the risk of bladder cancer due to their roles in the regulation of cell differentiation and cell death (apoptosis) (2). Although vitamin A is found in a wide variety of foods, many people do not obtain an adequate intake of this nutrient. Therefore, the impact of vitamin A intake on bladder cancer risk has important public health implications, they added. However, given the heterogeneity of existing studies, it is premature to recommend higher dietary vitamin A for the primary prevention of bladder cancer. Further investigation using large samples and a rigorous methodology is warranted.
Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer among with an estimated 386,000 new cases and 150,000 deaths world-wide in 2008. It has the highest lifetime treatment cost for any cancer (3). Carcinogens or dietary chemo-preventive agents can be concentrated in urine and have prolonged exposure to the bladder epithelium, making it an ideal target for preventative strategies.
20 November 2013
A new study from Finland reports that high blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acid may lower the risk of small brain infarcts, which are linked to cognitive decline in the elderly.
12 July 2018
Individuals living in developed countries can experience micronutrient deficiencies. Learn which micronutrients help balance the body’s nutritional levels from Michael Roizen, M.D. and chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, USA.
1 May 2014
The formation of cell membranes as well as many other physiological functions crucially depends on the availability of sufficient amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eico- sapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids appear to have a key function in the formation, growth and regeneration of cells and in the transmission of cell signals throughout life. During pregnancy and breastfeed- ing the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are already playing an important role in the development of the infant brain and eye cells. Studies found that omega-3 fatty acids could also improve sight and brain function in adults. Fatty acids are needed for the production of hormone-like substances (eicosanoids) which act in the body in multiple ways. Hence fatty acids appear to be involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, blood pressure, immune system, inflammatory processes and psychological wellbeing. An adequate intake of ome- ga-3 fatty acids could therefore help in the prevention of many diseases.
