Vitamin A can reduced cancer risk

Vitamin A and its derivatives are of interest both because of their anti carcinogenic properties and because cell differentiation can be modified and reversed. In epidemiological studies, a low intake of vitamin A has consistently been associated with increased risk of developing certain cancers.

Vitamin A and its related compounds, beta-carotene and the retinoid, have been studied with respect to their effect on cell differentiation and cancer risk reduction.

There are several theorized mechanisms to explain cancer risk reduction by vitamin A. It is well established that vitamin A is required for the maintenance of epithelial tissues, where man cancers are seen. Laboratory studies suggest that vitamin A inhibits chemical carcinogenesis.

Vitamin A status must therefore be adequate to allow normal epithelial growth. Immune system function, including tumor surveillance has also been shown in animal models to depend on sufficient levels of vitamin A.

In addition, vitamin A and retinoid (vitamin A derivatives) may directly influence gene expression.

Foods rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene include milk, liver, green leafy vegetables and yellow fruits and vegetables. According to National Research Council study in 1982, consumption of foods rich in vitamin A and its related compounds has been associated with risk reduction for cancer of the lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum, prostate and ovary.
Vitamin A can reduced cancer risk

Selenium Supplementation May Reduce Cancer Risk

Many of these cancers are caused by our own bad behaviors - tobacco and alcohol use, lack of exercise, and poor diet.

There is now convincing evidence that selenium(an essential mineral found in various foods such as Brazil nuts and mushrooms) when taken daily as a supplement can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. Selenium appears to promote antioxidant activity in the body via glutathione peroxidase, a selenium dependent enzyme.

Research involving animal models has indicated that selenium supplementation may be useful strategy to reduce cancer risk.

In the United States, a double blind, placebo controlled study of more than 1300 older adults with history of nonmelanoma skin cancer found that supplementation with 200 ug/day selenium-enriched yeast for an average of 7.4 years was associated with an 48% decrease in prostate cancer incidence in men.

Numerous studies have shown an association between high cancer rates and low geographical selenium concentrations in the soil and between low cancer rates and diet rich in selenium.

The plasma selenium content of cancer patients is significantly lower than that in healthy persons.

A few trials have suggested that selenium supplementation may have a protective effect on liver cancer in high risk groups living in low selenium areas.

Supplementation was also found to reduce total mortality from all cancers combined and the combined incidence of three cancers, lung cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer.
Selenium Supplementation May Reduce Cancer Risk