Antioxidant News and Research

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Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules made by the process of oxidation during normal metabolism). Free radicals may play a part in cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of aging. Antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins A, C, and E, and other natural and manufactured substances.

Red wine consumption may protect men against lung cancer

Red wine may protect against the development of lung cancer in men, suggests research in Thorax, with each daily glass conferring additional benefit. No other type of alcohol seemed to have the same effect, the study found.

28 Oct 2004

Allopurinol, a common gout drug may also offer some protection against colorectal cancer

A commonly prescribed drug used to treat gout may also offer some protection against colorectal cancer, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan and in Israel.

25 Oct 2004

A single change in a person’s DNA can contribute to a range of life-shortening risk factors

A woman with hypertension, low magnesium levels, and a cooperative family allowed scientists to pinpoint the mutation, which affects the genes of the mitochondria — the energy-producing power plants of the cell that are passed from mother to offspring.

25 Oct 2004

Calorie restriction prevents certain aging-related changes in the brain

Severe calorie restriction prevents certain aging-related changes in the brain, including the accumulation of free radicals and impairments in coordination and strength, according to a mouse study at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

24 Oct 2004

New evidence supports value of fruits and vegetables in reducing breast cancer risk

Fruits and vegetables are known to reduce the risk of some cancers. Their antioxidant properties have been found to inhibit the generation of reactive oxidant species (ROS) that can damage and change DNA and lead to cancer.

22 Oct 2004

Strong-flavored onions could potentially be great for fighting cancer

Researchers at Cornell University have found, in preliminary lab studies, that members of the onion family with the strongest flavor — particularly New York Bold, Western Yellow and shallots — are the best varieties for inhibiting the growth of liver and colon cancer cells.

21 Oct 2004

Freezing or refrigerating expressed breast milk for longer than 48 hours substantially lowers its antioxidant content

This may be of particular importance for premature babies, who both have reduced antioxidant capacity as well as high levels of oxygen free radical activity as a result of infection and blood transfusions, say the authors.

21 Oct 2004

Fruit and vitamin C intake are likely to be useful for the prevention of stomach cancer

The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study was initiated to test the effect of vitamin supplementation on the prevention of lung and other cancers.

18 Oct 2004

Vitamin E's status as a super supplement questioned

Over the past decade, vitamin E has become one of the top-selling supplements in the United States, in part because research released in the early- to mid-1990s suggested that taking vitamin E supplements might protect against heart disease, boost the immune system and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

14 Oct 2004

Researchers test whether huperzine A can effectively treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are testing whether huperzine A, a natural moss extract used in Chinese medicine, can effectively treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

8 Oct 2004

Best way to protect yourself from digestive cancers is by eating right, not taking a pill

“The bottom line is to forget the antioxidant supplement and eat lots of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables,” said William Hart, Ph.D., R.D., associate professor of nutrition and dietetics at Saint Louis University. “Limit meat, high fat milk products and all other sources of fat.”

8 Oct 2004

Researchers to develop dietary agents to reduce risk of cataracts for astronauts

Astronauts are at increased risk of cataracts because of space radiation. In fact, it is estimated during a long space flight to Mars and back, about one quarter of the crew would become blind because of space radiation-induced cataracts. Other groups which are at increased risk are jet crews, radiation workers and radiation accident cleanup workers.

5 Oct 2004

Vitamin supplements not effective in protecting against gastro-intestinal cancer

A systematic review and meta-analysis (pooled analysis) of previously published randomised trials in this week’s issue of THE LANCET provides strong evidence that antioxidant supplements (such as vitamin supplements) are not effective in protecting against gastro-intestinal cancer.

30 Sep 2004

Antioxidant News and Research

Further Reading

Red wine consumption may protect men against lung cancer

Allopurinol, a common gout drug may also offer some protection against colorectal cancer

A single change in a person’s DNA can contribute to a range of life-shortening risk factors

Calorie restriction prevents certain aging-related changes in the brain

New evidence supports value of fruits and vegetables in reducing breast cancer risk

Strong-flavored onions could potentially be great for fighting cancer

Freezing or refrigerating expressed breast milk for longer than 48 hours substantially lowers its antioxidant content

Fruit and vitamin C intake are likely to be useful for the prevention of stomach cancer

Vitamin E's status as a super supplement questioned

Researchers test whether huperzine A can effectively treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Best way to protect yourself from digestive cancers is by eating right, not taking a pill

Researchers to develop dietary agents to reduce risk of cataracts for astronauts

Vitamin supplements not effective in protecting against gastro-intestinal cancer

Male smokers needed for study to investigate new method of improving selenium intake

Active ingredients of soya may help beat breast cancer

Don't choose tomatoes based on colour

Four or more glasses of red wine per week may reduce risk of prostate cancer by 50 percent

Fish oils appear to reduce breast cancer risk

Streptococcus bacteria uses sword and shield to fight white blood cells

Discovery of dopamine terminal injury in brains of people with HIV dementia

Sensing a Healthier Future

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

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