News
Beta-carotene is an essential and safe source of vitamin A
23 October 2009
Health risks arise from a lack of beta-carotene and not from oversupply, experts concluded at a Nutrition Conference.
12 January 2010
Leafy green vegetables and multivitamins could serve as protective factors against lung cancer in current and former smokers, according to a new study.
In the study, more than 1,100 current and former smokers submitted sputum samples and completed questionnaires regarding their dietary intake (1). The researchers analyzed cells in the sputum samples for the methylation status of genes that were linked to increased risk for lung cancer in previous studies. Aberrant gene methylation – the addition of a methyl (-CH3) group to DNA – is likely to be a major mechanism in lung cancer development and progression, as well as a potential marker for the early detection of lung cancer. The researchers next investigated associations between dietary variables and methylation.
The results showed that higher intakes of leafy green vegetables and multivitamin supplements rich in carotenoids (beta-carotene and lutein), vitamin C, vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin A and vitamin K were significantly associated with a reduced probability of high methylation, potentially associated with a reduced cancer risk.
The researchers said that in contrast to other findings suggesting that supplements containing beta-carotene conceivably increase the risk of lung cancer in heavy smokers when taken in extremely high doses over years, their results show that multivitamins may reduce cancer risk even in smokers.
Previous studies have suggested an association between a low vitamin B9 (folate) intake and increased lung cancer risk in current and former smokers. Higher folate intake has been associated with lower methylation of genes in colorectal tumors as well.
Additional research is needed to independently validate the current observations, and also to help resolve contradictions between varying studies, the authors concluded.
23 October 2009
Health risks arise from a lack of beta-carotene and not from oversupply, experts concluded at a Nutrition Conference.
31 October 2016
Obesity rates have nearly doubled since the early 80s and much has been speculated about the possible reasons for this rapid increase.
8 April 2014
A new review from China reports that increased intakes of resveratrol may significantly improve glucose control and insulin sensitivity in diabetes patients.