Originally published October 17 2005
European study suggests beta-carotene prevents many types of disease
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands have provided a study that demonstrates lower mortality rates among elderly populations with high beta carotene levels.
Even after adjusting for smoking, intake of carotene (alpha- and beta-carotene were measured together) was directly associated with lower risk of death from cancer, said the researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, supported by Swiss and French colleagues.
The findings were surprising as both supplemental trials and observational studies have found the carotenoid to raise the risk of cancer in smokers.
In addition, findings from large-scale supplemental trials "make it very unlikely that pharmacologic doses of beta-carotene are effective in preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer," write the authors in this month's issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol 82, no 4, pp879-886).
Brian Buijsse, lead author on the new paper, says the confusing evidence so far may suggest that beta-carotene needs to be taken 'in concert with other antioxidants' to have an effect on health.
"Plasma carotene may be a marker for fruit and vegetable intake," he told NutraIngredients.com, noting that most people participating in the study did not have carotene levels high enough to be consuming it in supplement form.
"The question is, are there any other nutrients in fruit and vegetables that we haven't discovered yet, or is beta-carotene working alongside other antioxidants," Buijsse explained.
Using data from several different countries gave the researchers a wide range of plasma concentrations, added Buijsse.
After a follow-up period of 10 years, the researchers looked at causes of mortality in the study population.
These results were confirmed by a meta-analysis of five observational studies on an elderly population, including the current one, report the scientists.
A new trial using lower dose supplements than those tested in previous supplementation trials, and in a population at high risk of oxidative damage like the elderly, may confirm a beneficial role, he suggests.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml