Positive Health Online

Abstract

SASAKI and colleagues, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute East, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan. Stssasak@east.ncc.go.jp described, prior to conducting a randomized controlled trial, the effect of oral supplementation of betacarotenee and vitamin C in middle-aged subjects for the prevention of gastric cancer.

Background

Methodology

The authors examined the serum response to the three-month oral supplementation of beta-carotene (0,3,30mg/day) and vitamin C (0, 50,100mg/day) using 54 subjects (40-69 years). Serum concentrations of carotenoids, alpha tocopherol and ascorbic acid were examined at baseline and at one, two and three months.

Results

Both serum beta-carotene and ascorbic acid were significantly higher in high-dose groups than placebo during supplementation. The serum beta-carotene increased gradually (597-830% increase) during the study, whereas the serum ascorbic acid reached nearly a steady state at one month and remained stable thereafter (88-95% increase). No statistically significant interaction between beta-carotene and vitamin C supplementations was observed either for serum beta-carotene or for serum ascorbic acid. Among carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol examined, serum lyopene in the high-dose beta-carotene group was significantly higher than placebo at all points. No unfavourable change in carotenoids and alpha tocopherol was observed in any group.

Conclusion

References

Sasaki S et al. Effects of three-month oral supplementation of beta-carotene and vitamin C on serum concentrations of carotenoids and vitamins in middle aged subjects: a pilot study for a randomized controlled trial to prevent gastric cancer in high risk Japanese population. Japanese Journal of Cancer Research 91(5): 464-70. May 2000.