Beta-Carotene May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer
LAGRANGE, Ill. - A study published in Cancer, 1999 (86:1783-1792), found that beta-carotene supplements may bridge the dietary gap and reduce the risk of prostate cancer among men who do not consume many fruits and vegetables. Researchers focused on almost 15,000 men participating in the ongoing Physicians' Health Study. Results found that men with low blood levels of beta-carotene at the start of the study had a 45 percent increased risk of developing prostate cancer. However, men in this group who took beta-carotene supplements had a 32 percent lower risk of prostate cancer. There was also evidence that beta-carotene supplements lowered the overall risk of cancer among these men. Source: Natural Products Industry, Insider®, Volume 5, No. 2, February 7, 2000
Beta-Carotene May Help Destroy Leukemia Cells
In a recent study using human leukemia cells, researchers looked at the ability of various carotenoids to induce cancer cell death. Carotenoids are natural pigments and antioxidants found abundantly in most fruits and vegetables. Of all the cartoenoids, beta-carotene showed the most promise in destroying leukemia cells. This study goes along with previous cell research showing the effectiveness of beta-carotene to inspire cell death in different types of cancer cells. Source: Free Radical Research, 2002; 36: 791-802.
Increase Of Antioxidant Intake May Lower Asthma Risk In Youth
In a large nutrition survey of youths between 4-16 years of age, researchers found that increases in intakes of antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C and the trace mineral selenium were associated with a lower risk of asthma prevalence. Asthma is respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing and is usually of allergic origin. Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Volume 169. Read More.