Is professional prescription of a commercially derived dietary supplement in colectomysed patients necessary?

IntroductionColorectal cancers are the second most common cause of mortality in the USA, Western Europe and also Hungary. After the removal of a tumor, cancer predisposition still remains, therefore secondary prevention is needed. Several reports are known about the effects of nutritional supplements in the improvement of patient life quality. Therefore the question arises whether natural food supplement products with several bioactive agents can modify immune reactivity or influence redox homeostasis.MethodsIn the present study we report on the negative output of the commercially derived dietary supplement “Vegetable and fruit color compound concentrates OÉTI 45/É sample” in colectomysed patients. Quantitative analysis of anthocyanins and flavonoids in this dietary supplement, was carried out using HPLC-DAD-ESI–MS/MS. Caucasian volunteers (N = 26) were treated with the dietary supplement for 3 months 5–10 years after their colectomy. The healthy control volunteers (N = 10) of both genders received the supplement the same way. The dose was 2 × 3 g/day. Ultrasonography, routine laboratory tests (30 parameters), tumor marker (AFP, CEA, CA19-9, PSA) determinations and redox parameters (SOD, GSHPx, HbA1c, reducing power, chemiluminescence intensity) were carried out for each person.ResultsDiet-related bioactive compounds were intensively examined in vitro, although in vivo and in vitro effects are different and the mode of actions in vivo are not yet known in detail. Tentative identification of dietary supplements based on mass spectrometry data for published constituents of plants, twenty anthocyanins and flavonoid glycosides were identified.Several routine laboratory parameters were not altered after treatment compared to start time data in colectomysed patients and control volunteers. The treatment did not change the tumor marker levels significantly, but in each case the values were elevated in examined groups. Redox parameters of colectomysed patients showed strengthened free radical reactions, namely rebound effect against antioxidant excess, although tendency was observed in controls as well. Anti-inflammatory effects of the natural product was not clearly observed.ConclusionToday, there are countless products on the market, thus experts in healthcare, doctors, pharmacists and dieticians should have adequate knowledge of dietary supplements, and how can they become important tools for a healthy lifestyle.SupportETT 02/02/2009.