(03-08-11) The history of 13-carotene and cancers: from observational to intervention studies.

The history of 13-carotene and cancers: from observational to intervention studies. What lessons can be drawn for future research on polyphenols?1?3

Serge Hercber

ABSTRACT
An important question being raised by nutritionists today is whether available scientific data support an important role for polyphenols in the prevention of pathologic conditions that represent an important public health burden, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and osteoporosis. More broadly, when can we consider scientific knowl- edge sufficient to allow specific public health implications and rec- ommendations? The history of the relationship between 13-carotene and cancer illustrates the complexity of the research process leading to the demonstration of a causal relationship between nutritional factors and the prevention of disease. The 13-carotene story, which has developed in the past 30 y, is particularly significant and illus- trative because of apparent controversies that are far from resolved. This is an extremely interesting example from which many lessons can be learned. For 13-carotene, we need to collect sufficient infor- mation from experimental, clinical, and epidemiologic research be- fore we support any specific public health recommendations. The same principles must be applied to recommendations regarding polyphenols (in particular, which polyphenols, at which doses, to achieve which benefits for which populations). If these questions are not answered, then we run the risk of needing to renounce recom- mendations regarding polyphenols in the future, damaging the cred- ibility of nutritional recommendations for public health.

Source: Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81(suppl):218S?22S.

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