Positive Health Online

Abstract

PAOLINI and colleagues, Department of Pharmacology, Biochemical Toxicology Unit, University of Bologna, Italy, ask the question whether beta-carotene prevents cancer or causes it. Abstract: There is considerable evidence that a diet high in fruit and vegetables containing carotenoids helps prevent cancer and heart disease. Because of its well-documented antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties, beta-carotene has become the best-studied carotenoid. However the results of population-based lung cancer chemoprevention studies contradicted the general thesis about the benefits of beta-carotene: not only did beta-carotene not show any benefits but it was associated with a significant increase in lung cancer incidence and mortality. These findings provoked a scientific debate that is still ongoing and raised the suspicion that beta-carotene may be a co-carcinogenic agent. This review presents data that provide convincing evidence of the harmful properties of beta-carotene if given alone to smokers or to individuals exposed to environmental carcinogens. While the benefits of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables should continue to be emphasised, there is also a need for consideration of the possible detrimental effects of certain isolated dietary supplements.

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References

Paolini M, Abdel-Rahman SZ, Sapone A, Pedulli GF, Perocco P, Cantelli-Forti G, Legator MS. Beta-carotene: a cancer chemopreventive agent or a co-carcinogen? Mutation Research 543 (3): 195-200, Jun 2003.