October 20, 2003
NUTRITION NEWS FOCUS
"Nutrition news is important.  We help you understand it!"

Today's Topic: Cryptoxanthin and Lung Cancer

Cryptoxanthin is a yellow-orange pigment from plants that is a
carotenoid.  Beta-carotene is the best known of the carotenoids, which
soak up free radicals in cells and may help prevent certain types of
cancer.  However, studies already tell us that taking large amounts of
beta-carotene actually increases the development of lung cancer in
cigarette smokers.

A new study from Singapore asked 63,000 adults about their diet and
followed them for 8 years, during which time 482 cases of lung cancer
were diagnosed. Those eating the most cryptoxanthin showed a
27 percent reduction in risk of lung cancer.  The study was published
in the September 2003 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers &
Prevention.
< http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/12/9/890 >

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Cryptoxanthin is found
in many plants but is in highest amounts in pumpkin, corn, papaya, red
bell peppers, tangerines, oranges, and peaches.  Remember, this type
of study cannot prove cause and effect and taking large amounts of any
single carotenoid in supplements may have the opposite effect of what
is shown from eating normal amounts.