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.
8 September 2015
A new study from France reports that elevated blood concentrations of antioxidant beta-carotene seem to reduce the levels of inflammatory markers for cardiovascular disease.
1 July 2011
Many observational studies have shown that a lack of antioxidants represents an additional risk for cardiovascular disease (see Part 1). However, the following intervention studies, which were intended to provide evidence of the effectiveness of antioxidant micronutrients in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, were designed as though the antioxidants could produce an additional health benefit irrespective of the supply status of the individual (see Part 2).
18 February 2013
A new study from New Zealand suggests that eating seven to eight servings of fruit and vegetables a day may make young people calmer, happier and more energetic in their daily life.
