Consumption Of Antioxidant Vitamins Research Articles

Dietary Consumption of Antioxidant Vitamins in Relation to Prostate Cancer Risk in Japanese Men: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study

Many epidemiological studies have investigated dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins in relation to prostate cancer risk in Western countries, but the results are inconsistent. However, few studies have reported this relationship in Asian countries. We investigated the association between intake of vitamins, including lycopene, α-carotene, β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, with prostate cancer risk in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective (JPHC) study. 40,720 men without history of cancer finished the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and were included in the study. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of prostate cancer risk were calculated according to the quintiles of energy-adjusted intake of vitamins using Cox models. After an average of 15.2 years (617,599 person-years in total) of follow-up, 1,386 cases of prostate cancer were identified, including 944 localized cases and 340 advanced cases. No associations were observed in consumption of antioxidant vitamins, including α-carotene, β-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, and prostate cancer risk. Although higher lycopene intake was associated with increased risk of prostate cancer (highest vs lowest quintile, HR 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.47; P for trend = 0.01), there was a null association of lycopene intake with risk of prostate cancer detected by subjective symptoms (HR 1.12; 95% CI, 0.79-1.58; P for trend = 0.11). Our study suggested no association between antioxidant intake of vitamins and prostate cancer risk.

Association between pre-diagnostic dietary antioxidant vitamin consumption and ovarian cancer survival: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Epidemiological evidence regarding the relationship between dietary antioxidant vitamin intake and ovarian cancer (OC) survival is not clear. Herein, we aimed to first evaluate this topic in a prospective cohort study in China. Methods: The present study included participants from the Ovarian Cancer Follow-Up Study, which was a hospital-based prospective cohort study including OC patients who were aged 18 to 79 years during 2015-2020. The information on the intake of antioxidant vitamins, consisting of vitamin A, retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, and other diet information was obtained through a 111-item food frequency questionnaire. Deaths were recorded until March 31, 2021. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: There were 130 (18.49%) deaths among 703 OC patients during a median 37.19 months follow-up. In the multivariable-adjusted model, the highest tertile of dietary vitamin C (HR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.25-0.75, P for trend <0.05) and β-carotene intake (HR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.31-0.87, P for trend <0.05) was inversely associated with the overall survival of OC when compared with the lowest tertile group. Retinol, vitamin A, vitamin E, and α-carotene consumption showed no association with OC survival. Of note is that the multiplicative interaction was identified between vitamin C intake and residual lesions in OC survival (P for interaction <0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that pre-diagnostic higher vitamin C and β-carotene intake was associated with improved OC survival.

Regular combined training and vitamins modulated the apoptosis process in diabetic rats: Bioinformatics analysis of heart failure's differential genes expression network correlated with anti-apoptotic process.

The apoptosis process could impose significantly by hyperglycemia. According to in silico language processing and high throughput raw data analysis, we recognized hub molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic hearts and suggested a new pharmaceutical approach for declining myocardial programed cell death. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were classified into five groups: healthy rats as control, diabetic rats, diabetic combined resistance/endurance training, diabetic rats which consumed supplementation vitamins E and C, and the combined supplementation and training. Here, we calculated changes in gene expression based on artificial intelligence methods and evaluated gene expression in apoptotic influencing combined training and antioxidants vitamins consumption in heart injured models by streptozotocin via Real-Time PCR. Moreover, we assessed the binding affinity of the 3D structure of small molecules on macromolecule SIRT3 to a new compound pharmaceutical suggesting the decline in cell death program. The computational intelligence surveys revealed that the apoptosis process was a remarkable pathomechanism in the abnormality function of heart tissue in diabetic conditions. Furthermore, we showed that synchronizing antioxidant vitamin consumption and regular combined training could significantly decrease irreversible myocardial cell death in diabetic myocardiopathy. Hence, levels of antiapoptotic mRNA were modified in the combined training/vitamin consumption group compared with other classifications. We found that regular combined exercise and vitamin consumption could reverse the apoptosis process to enhance the survival of cardiac muscle cells in diabetes conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Machine learning and system biology indicated that the apoptosis process is a vital pathomechanism of hyperglycemia-induced heart failure. Sirt3/Fas/Bcl-2/Cycs and Bax, as a critical network of apoptosis, play an essential role in heart failure induced by hyperglycemia. Moreover, Type 2 diabetes and obesity increase the risk of heart failure by increasing high blood sugar levels. We calculated the binding power of the vitamins E and C on SIRT3 protein based on the drug software. In addition, this study assessed that regular combined training and vitamin consumption had an antiapoptotic effect. Also, our data might improve the hyperglycemia state.

The Effects of Antioxidant Vitamins on Proinflammatory Cytokines and Some Biochemical Parameters of Power Plant Workers: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Some epidemiological studies have suggested that exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) can affect the immune system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of antioxidant vitamin consumption on proinflammatory cytokines and biochemical parameters changes. In this randomized, controlled double-blinded trial study, power plant workers exposed to ELF-MFs were enrolled based on inclusion criteria. Ninety-one eligible subjects were randomly divided into four groups: the first group (400 units of vitamin E/day), second group (1,000 mg of vitamin C/day), third group (400 units of vitamin E and 1,000 mg of vitamin C/day), and control group. The intervention was conducted for 3 months. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and biochemical parameters (fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], total protein, and albumin) were measured among the participants' serums, before and after the intervention. The mean level of IL-6 in all vitamin-receiving groups, the mean level of IL-1β in vitamin C and E&C groups, and the mean level of TNF-α in the vitamin C group, decreased significantly after intervention. The arithmetic means of the effect sizes for IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were 0.71, 0.57, and 0.2, respectively. The level of HDL-c in the vitamin E and vitamin E&C groups and the level of triglyceride in the vitamin C group significantly increased after the intervention. Taking antioxidant vitamins can prevent an increase of proinflammatory cytokines induced by prolonged exposure to ELF-MFs. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:18-26. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Covid-19 Pandemisi: Karantina İçin Beslenme Önerileri

Covid-19’a karşı korunmada güçlü bir bağışıklık sistemi ile birlikte virüsün yayılımını azaltmada koruyucu yöntem olan karantina uygulaması son derece önemlidir. Karantina durumu, bireylerin duygu durumlarını, duygu durumları da beslenme durumunu etkiler. Evde geçirilen sürenin artması, sürekli dinlenen ve izlenen pandemi haberleri, artan endişeler, duygu durumuna bağlı yiyecek tüketme (özellikle karbonhidratlı gıdaları) arzusunun artması ve fiziksel aktivitenin azalması, vücut ağırlığında istenmeyen artışlara neden olabilmektedir. Gerek ağırlık kontrolünü sağlamak gerekse bağışıklığı güçlü tutmak adına beslenmede doğru davranışlarda bulunmak gerekmektedir. Rafine hazır gıdalardan uzak durmak, Akdeniz diyetinin temelini oluşturan meyve, sebze ve tam tahıllı ürünlerden zengin, doymuş yağ içeriği düşük beslenme modeline uymak önemlidir. Ayrıca bağışıklık sistemi üzerinde olumlu etkileri olduğu bilinen antioksidan vitaminler, D vitamini, omega 3, çinko, pre ve probiyotiklerin tüketimine günlük beslenmede özen gösterilmelidir.

Predicting vitamin E and C consumption intentions and behaviors among factory workers based on protection motivation theory

BackgroundStudy of antioxidant vitamin consumption behavior, especially in high-risk groups with high exposure to toxic metals to reduce metal toxicity, is emphasized. This study aims to examine the structural relationships between knowledge, protection motivation theory constructs, and vitamin E and C consumption behavior among cement factory workers.MethodsProtection motivation theory and food frequency questionnaires were completed by 420 factory workers. Data were subjected to structural equation modeling to examine associations between knowledge, protection motivation theory constructs, and vitamin E and C consumption behavior. Efficacy of current recommended models was also explored.ResultsStructural equation modeling showed high explained variance within the constructs of protection motivation theory for vitamin E and C consumption behavior and intention (56–76%). The overall fit of the structural models was acceptable for both vitamin E and C behavior. Knowledge, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and perceived vulnerability predicted intention, which in turn predicted vitamin consumption behavior. Significant relationships between knowledge and self-efficacy, response efficacy, perceived vulnerability, and perceived severity were also found, while self-efficacy and response efficacy showed significant relationships with vitamin E and C consumption behavior.ConclusionsConsidering that response efficacy, self-efficacy, and intention showed as strong predictors of vitamin E and C consumption behavior, specific attention should be paid to coping appraisals and intention when designing intervention plans. Additionally, establishing the predicting role of knowledge for protection motivation theory constructs and protective behaviors should be integrated into intervention programs.

Effects of dietary antioxidant vitamins on lung functions according to gender and smoking status in Korea: a population-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveCigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dietary antioxidants are thought to prevent smoke-induced oxidative damage. The aim of this...

Dietary consumption of antioxidant vitamins and subsequent lung cancer risk: The Japan Public Health Center-based prospective study.

While many epidemiological studies have studied the association between lung cancer risk and fruits and vegetable consumption (the major sources of antioxidant vitamins), only a few have investigated the direct association with antioxidants in consideration of cancer subtypes and smoking status. Here, we examined the association between consumption of antioxidant vitamins and lung cancer risk in one of the largest prospective cohort studies in Japan. We investigated the association of dietary antioxidant vitamins intake, namely retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, α-carotene, and β-carotene and subsequent incidence of lung cancer among 38,207 men and 41,498 women in the Japan Public Health Center-based prospective study. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed with adjustment for potential confounders and by strata of cancer subtypes and smoking status. Antioxidant and other dietary intakes were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). During 1,233,096 person-years of follow-up between 1995 and 2013, a total of 1,690 lung cancer cases were newly diagnosed. In a multivariate regression model, while higher retinol intake was positively associated with overall lung cancer risk in men (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.05-1.51; ptrend = 0.003), the estimates were more evident with small cell carcinoma (HR 1.92; 95% CI 1.13-3.24; ptrend < 0.001). Null associations were observed for other antioxidant vitamins. Our prospective study suggests that higher consumption of retinol may be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in men, especially with small cell carcinoma, although confirmation is required.

Antioxidant Vitamin Consumption during Meals in Elderly Patients with Dementia and its Correlation with the Recommended Dietary Allowance

Antioxidant Vitamin Consumption during Meals in Elderly Patients with Dementia and its Correlation with the Recommended Dietary Allowance

Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus and its Relation to Consumption of Antioxidant Vitamins in Kurdistan Province

Background: Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer and the sixth cause of cancer death worldwide. Among the major risk factors for this disease lack of certain vitamins and minerals including antioxidant vitamins are considered. Objectives: This study examined the relationship between antioxidant vitamins including vitamins A, E and C and risk of squamous cell carcinoma in Kurdistan. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was based on dietary patterns of 143 patients including 47 cases and 96 controls. Data were collected by food frequency questionnaire and nutritional value of dietary patterns intake was determined in the two groups by using N4 (nutritionist IV) software. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS-16 and using independent t-test, χ 2 and logistic regression. Results: The result of logistic regression analysis showed an inverse relation between intake of vitamin E and risk of squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.01). Also the risk of esophageal cancer in people who received mean of 141 mg/day of vitamin C compared with those with average intake of 125 mg/day had a 98% decrease (P = 0.01). There was no association between intake of vitamin A, beta carotene and alphatocopherol with risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: Results suggest that antioxidant vitamins can possibly play a protective role in preventing risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

The Antioxidant Paradox in Diabetes Mellitus

There is ample empiric evidence to indicate that oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease and has a key role in the onset and progression of diabetes and its complications. Diabetes leads to depletion of the cellular antioxidant defense system and is associated with an increase in the production of free radicals. Oxidative stress can be the result of multiple pathways. Some of these are related to substrate-driven overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, advanced glycation end product formation, glucose autoxidation, and depletion of micronutrients and cellular elements with antioxidative properties. There are numerous observational studies in the literature showing a beneficial outcome of the consumption of antioxidant vitamins. However, the interventional trials portray a different picture. The divide between the robust experimental evidence of the pathogenetic role of increased oxidative load in diabetes and the overwhelming failure of antioxidants to show any health benefits in clinical trials may well be characterized as the "antioxidant paradox."

Dietary Intake of Nitrate Relative to Antioxidant Vitamin in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study

Nitrate is a precursor in the endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds, which are potent animal carcinogens, whereas antioxidant vitamins have been suggested to protect against carcinogenesis. Interestingly, nitrate and antioxidant vitamins stem from the same dietary sources. We investigated whether the intake of nitrate relative to antioxidant vitamins is associated with the risk of breast cancer. A total of 362 breast cancer cases were matched to the 362 controls by age and menopausal status. Dietary intake was assessed using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire with 121 food items by trained interviewers. The nitrate to antioxidant vitamin consumption ratio was then calculated. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean intakes of nitrate for cases and controls were 421 mg/day and 424 mg/day, respectively. Intakes of nitrate, nitrate/β-carotene, nitrate/vitamin C, and nitrate/vitamin E were not associated with breast cancer risk. However, higher breast cancer risk was observed with higher intake of nitrate/folate (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.16–3.54, P for trend = 0.052). Our results suggest that lowering the ratio of nitrate to folate intake may be effective in reducing breast cancer risk.

Nitrate Intake Relative to Antioxidant Vitamin Intake Affects Gastric Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study in Korea

The objective of this study was to determine whether the intake of nitrate relative to antioxidant vitamin rather than absolute intake of nitrate affects the risk of gastric cancer (GC). In a case-control study in Korea using a food frequency questionnaire, trained dietitians interviewed 136 GC cases and an equal number of controls matched by sex and age. As an index of nitrate intake relative to antioxidant vitamins intake, we calculated the nitrate:antioxidant vitamin consumption ratio. The mean daily nitrate intake from foods was very high in our subjects. Higher absolute intake of nitrate was not associated with GC risk [odds ratios (OR) = 1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.42–3.06]. However, the GC risk distinctly increased as the nitrate:antioxidant vitamin consumption ratio increased, particularly with higher nitrate:vitamin E (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.01–7.67) and nitrate:folate ratios (OR = 3.37; 95% CI = 1.28–8.87). Therefore, GC risk was influenced by the intake of nitrate relative to antioxidant vitamins. Our results suggest that a decrease in the intake of nitrate relative to antioxidant vitamins is considerably more effective in reducing GC risk than either a lower absolute intake of nitrate or a higher intake of antioxidant vitamins alone.

Antioxidant consumption and development of oxidation during ageing of buffalo meat produced in Argentina

Buffalo meat production is increasing in Argentina. Information on meat quality and nutritional value will be useful in marketing. This work describes the oxidative stability of the Longissimus dorsi (LD) in relation to consumption of antioxidant vitamins, fatty acid composition and color deterioration during ageing. Vitamins levels found in fresh beef were 4.22±0.93; 0.24±0.05 and 0.25±0.06μg/g for α- and γ-tocopherol, and β-carotene, respectively. Vitamin loss was almost 90% throughout an ageing period of 25 days at 2°C. Concomitantly, TBARS levels increased from 0.076±0.018 to 0.14 6±0.032mg MDA/kg beef. Hexanal and pentanal levels were low and no correlations with oxidation were detected (P>0.05). The predominant color changes in aged beef were reduced redness and yellowness with an increase in lightness (P<0.05). Vitamin levels and TBARS were used to develop a prediction equation for post-mortem aging.

Is compulsory restriction of tar yield of cigarettes a worthwhile public health policy?

Background: Although the notion of a “safe cigarette” has proved an illusion, while people continue to smoke, an issue remains of whether compulsory restriction of tar yield is a worthwhile public health policy. Methods: The study group was comprised of a random population sample of middle-aged Scottish men and women—3464 smokers of cigarettes with known tar yield at baseline. Tar yields were classified into low (<10 mg), low/middle (10–14.99 mg), and middle or high (≥15 mg), according to standard groupings. Deaths within the study cohort were recorded over a period of 13 years. Results: Among low, low/middle, and middle or high tar smokers, 55 (10%), 178 (16%), and 276 (16%), respectively, died. In a comparison group of lifetime never-smokers, 178 (6%) died. After adjustment for daily cigarette dose, duration of smoking, age, gender, social class, type A personality, body mass index, urinary potassium, and antioxidant vitamin consumption, hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for all-cause mortality comparing low-tar smokers to low/middle-tar smokers and to middle- or high-tar smokers were 1.64 (1.04–2.58) and 1.46 (0.95–2.26), respectively. Corresponding results for cardiovascular disease were 1.48 (0.74–2.96) and 1.35 (0.79–2.60). For lung cancer, after adjusting for known confounding factors, corresponding hazard ratios were 2.82 (0.98–8.15) and 2.30 (0.81–6.49). Conclusions: Smoking any type of cigarette is far more risky than abstaining altogether. Although the results obtained comparing tar levels are limited because of lack of repeat measures of smoking during follow-up, potential residual confounding factors, statistical imprecision, and failure to show a dose-response relationship, results do support the hypothesis that persistent smokers will reduce their tobacco-induced health risk if they smoke cigarettes with <10 mg of tar. However, the data do not permit quantification of the benefits of switching to lower-tar cigarettes. Worldwide legislation to limit tar levels to 10 mg as an absolute maximum is recommended, while recognizing that this must be part of an integrated approach to tobacco control.

Risk of ovarian carcinoma and consumption of vitamins A, C, and E and specific carotenoids: a prospective analysis.

Antioxidant vitamins may decrease risk of cancer by limiting oxidative DNA damage leading to cancer initiation. Few prospective studies have assessed relations between antioxidant vitamins and ovarian carcinoma. The authors prospectively assessed consumption of vitamins A, C, and E and specific carotenoids, as well as fruit and vegetable intake, in relation to ovarian carcinoma risk among 80,326 participants in the Nurses' Health Study who had no history of cancer other than nonmelanoma skin carcinoma. Women reported on known and suspected ovarian carcinoma risk factors including reproductive factors, smoking, and use of vitamin supplements on biennial mailed questionnaires from 1976 to 1996. Food frequency questionnaires were included in 1980, 1984, 1986, and 1990. The authors confirmed 301 incident cases of invasive epithelial ovarian carcinoma during 16 years of dietary follow-up (1980-1996). Pooled logistic regression was used to control for age, oral contraceptive use, body mass index, smoking history, parity, and tubal ligation. The authors observed no association between ovarian carcinoma risk and antioxidant vitamin consumption from foods, or foods and supplements together. The multivariate relative risks (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for ovarian carcinoma among women in the highest versus lowest quintile of intake were 1.04 (95% CI, 0.72-1.51) for vitamin A from foods and supplements; 1.01 (95% CI, 0.69-1.47) for vitamin C; 0.88 (95% CI, 0.61-1.27) for vitamin E; and 1.10 (95% CI, 0.76-1.59) for beta-carotene. Among users of vitamin supplements, the authors found no evidence of an association between dose or duration of any specific vitamin and ovarian carcinoma risk, although the authors had limited power to assess these relations. No specific fruits or vegetables were associated significantly with ovarian carcinoma risk. The authors found no association between ovarian carcinoma and consumption of total fruits or vegetables, or specific subgroups including cruciferous vegetables, green leafy vegetables, legumes, or citrus fruits. Women who consumed at least 2.5 total servings of fruits and vegetables as adolescents had a 46% reduction in ovarian carcinoma risk (relative risk, 0.54, 95% CI, 0.29-1.03; P value for trend 0.04). These data do not support an important relation between consumption of antioxidant vitamins from foods or supplements, or intake of fruits and vegetables, and incidence of ovarian carcinoma in this cohort. However, modest associations cannot be excluded, and the authors' finding of an inverse association for total fruit and vegetable intake during adolescence raises the possibility that the pertinent exposure period may be much earlier than formerly anticipated.

Population-based case-control study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in western Washington State. II. Diet.

The association of nutrient intake with the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was investigated in a population-based case-control study conducted in three counties of western Washington State from 1990 to 1994. Incident ALS cases (n = 161) were identified and individually matched on age and gender to population controls (n = 321). A self-administered food frequency questionnaire was used to assess nutrient intake. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to compute odds ratios adjusted for education, smoking, and total energy intake. The authors found that dietary fat intake was associated with an increased risk of ALS (highest vs. lowest quartile, fiber-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9, 8.0; p for trend = 0.06), while dietary fiber intake was associated with a decreased risk of ALS (highest vs. lowest quartile, fat-adjusted OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.7; p for trend = 0.02). Glutamate intake was associated with an increased risk of ALS (adjusted OR for highest vs. lowest quartile = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 8.0; p for trend < 0.02). Consumption of antioxidant vitamins from diet or supplement sources did not alter the risk. The positive association with glutamate intake is consistent with the etiologic theory that implicates glutamate excitotoxicity in the pathogenesis of ALS, whereas the associations with fat and fiber intake warrant further study and biologic explanation.

Antioxidant Vitamins and Cardiovascular Disease

The hypothesis that antioxidant vitamins might reduce cardiovascular disease risk is based on a large body of both basic and human epidemiological research. One of the most consistent findings in dietary research is that those who consume higher amounts of fruits and vegetables have lower rates of heart disease and stroke as well as cancer. Recent attention has focused on the antioxidant content of fruits and vegetables as a possible explanation for the apparent protective effects. Basic research provides a plausible mechanism by which antioxidants might reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. A large number of descriptive, case-control, and cohort studies provide data suggesting that consumption of antioxidant vitamins is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease. These data raise the question of a possible role of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, but they do not provide a definitive answer. Randomized trial data will be essential in fully assessing whether or not there is a causal effect of antioxidants in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Results from several large-scale randomized trials of antioxidant supplements are now available, and additional trial data should be forthcoming in the near future, which will better define the role of antioxidants in the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic disease. At this point, antioxidants represent a possible but as yet unproven means to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diet, Antioxidants and Risk of Cancer: A Case-control Study

A total of 3810 patients were seen in hospital over a 2-year period. There were 101 patients with cancer of various organs of the body. These 101 cancer patients were compared with 100 age- and sex-matched control subjects selected from the same population. The aim was to ® nd the relation between dietary and plasma levels of antioxidants and minerals and the risk of cancer. Dietary intakes were assessed by a 7-day food intake assisted questionnaire to ® nd out previous intakes. The study showed that the plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins A, E and C and b -carotene and the zinc; copper ratio and zinc levels were signi® cantly and inversely associated with the cancer group compared to the control subjects. The serum calcium level was also lower in the cancer group but the magnesium level was higher. Underlying these ® ndings, the consumption of antioxidant vitamins A, E and C and b -carotene, calcium and magnesium was signi® cantly lower in the cancer group compared to the control subjects. The differences in intake indicated a higher risk of cancer with a lower consumption of antioxidant vitamins and fruit and vegetables and with a higher

Antioxidants in cardiovascular disease: Randomized trials

The hypothesis that antioxidant vitamins might reduce cardiovascular disease risk is based on a large body of both basic and human epidemiologic research. One of the most consistent findings in dietary research is that those who consume higher amounts of fruits and vegetables have lower rates of heart disease and stroke as well as cancer. Recent attention has focused on the antioxidant content of fruits and vegetables as a possible explanation for the apparent protective effects. Basic research provides a plausible mechanism by which antioxidants might reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. A large number of descriptive, case-control and cohort studies provide data suggesting that consumption of antioxidant vitamins is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease. These data raise the question of a possible role of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and beta carotene, in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease but do not provide a definitive answer. Results from several large-scale randomized trials of antioxidant supplements are now available; however, results are not entirely consistent. The results of the major trials do not prove or disprove the value of antioxidant vitamins, nor do they incriminate them as harmful. They do, however, raise the possibility that some of the benefits from observational epidemiology may have been overestimated and that there may be some adverse effects. At this point randomized trial data are not yet sufficient to fully assess the risk-to-benefit ratios for antioxidant supplements. More reliable data should be forthcoming in the near future which will better define the role of antioxidants in the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic disease as well as cancer.