Nutrition

R.A.S HEMAT, MB;BCh, FRCSI, DUL.

There is a mismatch between the attitude of the public, who appear willing to accept dietary advice from professionals, and the reluctance on behalf of these professionals to fulfil this role. Diet can play a major role in cancer prevention.

Folate is an important cofactor in the transfer of one-carbon moieties and plays a key role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation.

Decrease circulating IGF-I activity should impede cancer induction, lessen neutrophil-mediated inflammatory damage, and slow growth and maturation in children.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or crude green tea extract inhibits the growth of cancer cells, lung metastasis, and urokinase activity.

Soybeans are unique among the legumes because they are a concentrated source of isoflavones. Soybeans are a unique source of the isoflavones genistein and diadzein, which have numerous biological functions.

A dietary antioxidant is defined as a substance in foods that significantly decreases the adverse effects of reactive species, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, on normal physiological function in humans. Without termination by an agent such as an antioxidant, a single free radical can damage numerous molecules.

The estimated average requirement (EAR) is the intake value that is estimated to meet the requirements of a defined indicator of adequacy in 50% of the population. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is the dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all individuals in the group. These requirements must base on other markers of deficiency (e.g., prevention of scurvy), i.e. the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). The UL is not intended to be a recommended level of intake, but represents the highest level of intake that is unlikely to have any adverse health effects in most individuals. Higher vitamin C intakes may be beneficial in the treatment or prevention of certain diseases, particularly cancer and respiratory disorders. Dietary needs of vitamin C are increased by smoking, pollutants, aspirin, alcohol, oestrogen, antibiotics, and corticosteroids.

Vitamin E is the name given to a group of eight fat-soluble compounds. . Vitamin E may be protective effects against cancer, heart disease, and complications of diabetes. Vitamin E is necessary for maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin E deficiency leads to nerve damage, lethargy, apathy, inability to concentrate, staggering gait, low thyroid hormone levels, decreased immune response, and anaemia.

Carotenoids (also referred to as carotenes) are a group of more than 600 highly coloured plant compounds; however, only 14 have been identified in human blood and tissue. Lycopene is abundant in tomatoes, carrots, green peppers, and apricots. Lycopene is concentrated by food processing and therefore may be found in high concentrations in foods such as processed tomato products (e.g., spaghetti sauce and tomato paste).

Selenium is essential antioxidant mineral for the function of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, and it is also important for healthy immune and cardiovascular systems. The UL for selenium is 400 mcg/day; toxicity is noted at mean doses greater than 800 mcg/day. Selenosis is toxicity from selenium, including fatigue, irritability, and dry hair. More advanced symptoms include dental caries, hair loss, loss of skin pigmentation, abnormal nails, vomiting, nervous system problems, and bad breath. The combination of selenium and vitamin E seems to have synergistic effects for the treatment of heart disease, ischemia, and cancer. Vitamin C may also produce synergistic effects, but large doses of vitamin C may result in decreased absorption.

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Dr. R.A.S HEMAT declares no conflicts of interest or financial interests in any product or service mentioned in this article, including grants, employment, stock holdings, gifts, or honoraria.