Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3254215 | Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology | 2011 | 12 Pages |
Abstract
Antioxidants such as selenium, vitamin E and C and carotenoids have been hypothesized as chemopreventive agents for several cancers. In the current review, we evaluate the results of epidemiological and interventional studies and summarize current knowledge of the prevention potential of the antioxidants, specific to gastrointestinal cancers. While early studies based on animal models and cell lines showed promise for antioxidants as chemopreventive agents for several gastrointestinal cancers, results from epidemiological studies and randomized trials do not support this promise. One large randomized trial, conducted in a region with widespread nutritional deficiency, showed that antioxidant use may confer protection against gastrointestinal cancers. However, this result has not been replicated in other epidemiological studies or the 10 other randomized trials conducted in developed Western countries. Overall, currently there is no evidence that antioxidants are protective against gastrointestinal cancers in populations whose members are replete in antioxidant intake.
Related Topics
Health Sciences
Medicine and Dentistry
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Authors
Vijayvel (Assistant Professor, Research Administrator), James R. (Chair),