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.