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Role of β-carotene in disease prevention with special reference to cancer

  • Chapter
Lipid-Soluble Antioxidants: Biochemistry and Clinical Applications

Part of the book series: Molecular and Cell Biology Updates ((MCBU))

Summary

β-carotene occurs widely in nature, particularly in green and yellow vegetables and fruits. In addition to being an important and safe source of vitamin A, it is a potent quencher of singlet oxygen and an antioxidant which can scavenge free radicals. There is overwhelming epidemiological evidence that consumption of foods rich in β-carotene can reduce the risk of certain cancers. Evidence for lung cancer is particularly strong. Data on cancers of the stomach, esophagus and cervix are limited but consistent. In three studies, use of a β-carotene supplement singly or in combination with vitamin A or antioxidant vitamins C and E caused regression of oral leukoplakia in a significant proportion of the study population, β-carotene is an immunoenhancer. Preliminary findings from a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical intervention trial and an epidemiological study support the role of β-carotene in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In one study, high intake of foods rich in carotenoids and a high level of carotenoids in blood were found to be associated with reduced risk of senile cataract. Certain findings suggest that the protective role of β-carotene against cancer and perhaps other degenerative diseases is independent of its provitamin A role. β-carotene is safe even when consumed in large quantities. In the U.S. population, dietary intake of β-carotene is very low as compared to that likely to be achieved if dietary guidelines for healthy living are followed. Dietary modifications or use of food fortified with β-carotene, or use of β-carotene supplements may be necessary to meet the need for optimal β-carotene intake.

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  1. Human Nutrition Research, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., 340 Kingsland Street, Nutley, New Jersey, USA

    Vishwa N. Singh

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  1. Malaysian Palm Oil Promotion Council, Bangunan Getah Asli 148 Jalan Ampang, 50450, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    A. S. H. Ong

  2. Dept. of Molecular and Cell Biology 251 Life Science Addition, Membrane Bioenergetics Group, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA

    L. Packer

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Singh, V.N. (1992). Role of β-carotene in disease prevention with special reference to cancer. In: Ong, A.S.H., Packer, L. (eds) Lipid-Soluble Antioxidants: Biochemistry and Clinical Applications. Molecular and Cell Biology Updates. Birkhäuser Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7432-8_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7432-8_18

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