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Current Research on vitamin A: Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between vitamin A and/or beta carotene intake and the risk of development of precancerous lesions and cancers in many parts of the body. Also demonstrated were effects on immunity in seniors and cognitive functions. In research at Harvard Medical School, reviews of 18 studies concerning vitamin A and its role in breast cancer have been done. The four studies that assessed total A intake reported an inverse association between the intake and cancer risk. Seems that in some studies, about half those tested showed decreased risk, but the other half showed no appreciative change. The same results were applicable to colon cancers. Most results are not definitive, therefore, inconclusive. Concerning Leucoplakia, a precancerous condition that develops in the oral cavity of smokers and tobacco chewers, several studies were done concerning the condition. In India, men who chewed were administered vitamin A for 6 months. The occurence of Leucoplakia was reduced by 57%, micronucleated cells by a whopping 96% and formation of new lesions was totally stopped. Researchers at the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands has chipped in with a study of their own to support efefects of produce. Dietary histories and lung cancer incidence were compared durning as study that lasted over 20 years. In a group of 561 men, results demonstrated that intake of vitamins A, C, and beta carotene in fruits and vegetables worked inversely with lung cancer risk. The greater the intake, the lesser the risk. While many studies have shown a protective effect of beta carotene on past smokers and non smokers against lung cancer, the book isn't in on current smokers. Actually, in some cases, the intake of beta carotene may actually increase the risk of lung cancer. Ths studies that have suggested such an effect are controversial at best, but there exists that possibility, so, fore-warned is better than approaching a situation armed with imperfect facts. Women with low blood levels of antioxidants are at risk for development of cervical cancer. This startling revelation is gleaned from a study at the Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Blood levels of vitamins A, E, and carotenoids were tested in women and a startling fact emerged. Women with low levels showed great propensity toward cancer and precancerous lesions. Healthy women had higher levels of the tested products. As the blood levels of the antioxidents decreased, the amount of cervical abnormalities increased. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Vitamin A (continuation) in Natural Pharmaceuticals is owned by Gerald Eisman. Permission to republish Vitamin A (continuation) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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