Breast cancer and dietary and plasma concentrations of carotenoids and vitamin A

Article Abstract:

Laboratory, epidemiologic, and dietary studies have provided variable support for a link between elevated levels of vitamin A (retinol) or its precursors, carotenoids, and a decreased risk of breast cancer. To better understand this issue, dietary and plasma (blood) levels of vitamin A and carotenoids were evaluated in 83 women with breast cancer and 113 women without the disease. Women with breast cancer had significantly lower levels of beta-carotene and lycopene but not other retinoids, vitamin A, or estimated dietary intake of vitamin A. Lycopene was not associated with breast cancer after taking account of plasma fat levels. The association between low beta-carotene levels and breast cancer was restricted to postmenopausal women. In spite of the lack of correlation of carotenoid intake and breast cancer, low plasma beta-carotene may be a marker for diets low in carotene-containing vegetables. Among the women with low beta-carotene levels, increasing retinol levels were associated with an increasing risk for breast cancer. However, among women with higher beta-carotene levels, risk decreased as retinol levels increased. The study demonstrates an association between beta-carotene levels and risk of breast cancer, but further research is needed to determine if this is more reflective of a causative association or whether carotene decreases follow development of breast cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Breast cancer, Carotenes

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Questioning riboflavin recommendations on the basis of a survey in China

Article Abstract:

The prevalence of riboflavin (vitamin B-2) deficiency in the People's Republic of China is discussed. Previous research suggested that riboflavin deficiency is a major problem in China, and that it may contribute to the development of esophageal cancer. The conclusion that many people are lacking this nutrient was based upon comparisons of the recommended intake of riboflavin with dietary and blood levels. However, the recommended intakes may not be accurate. There was minimal evidence that the persons whose diets appeared inadequate were actually suffering any ill effects; only one study reported a clinical sign of riboflavin deficiency that resolved when the nutrient was provided. The current study evaluated the riboflavin status of adults living in the People's Republic of China. The data were obtained as part of a national survey on diet, lifestyle and medical problems that was conducted in 130 Chinese villages. Food intake was analyzed and urinary riboflavin and related compounds were measured. The results showed that 90 percent of the subjects were classified as deficient in riboflavin according to both Western and Chinese standards. The original data used to arrive at these standards were re-evaluated; the findings suggest that the recommended riboflavin intake is too high in China and Western countries. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Standards, Case studies, Surveys, Nutrition, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B2 deficiency, Riboflavin, Riboflavin deficiency

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Erythrocyte fatty acids, plasma lipids, and cardiovascular disease in rural China

Article Abstract:

Total dietary fat and saturated fatty acids play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD mortality, plasma lipids, and red blood cell fatty acid content were examined in 65 rural counties of the People's Republic of China. The Chinese rural population is unique in that it consumes a diet low in fat and protein, thus making it possible to study the relationship between a low-fat, low-protein diet and CVD mortality. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were substantially lower in the rural Chinese population than in Western populations. In addition, the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol (a measure of the beneficial form of cholesterol) was higher than in Western populations. Mortality for CVD in China is well below CVD mortality in Western countries. These findings indicate that there is a positive relationship between a low-fat, low-protein diet and reduced CVD mortality. However, comparison of CVD risk between counties in China shows that differences in plasma cholesterol levels do not explain differences in CVD risk. Other factors such as red blood cell oleate (an unsaturated fatty acid) concentration and rice intake may also be important. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects, Coronary heart disease, Low-fat diet, Low fat diet, Hypercholesterolemia

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