Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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 But they're still a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin a. Another option is stewed apricots (106 calories for V2 cup of stewed fruit, unsweetened); they're delicious, even higher in potassium and fiber, and still loaded with beta-carotene and vitamin a. No beta-cryptoxanthin, though—for that, you need to eat the whole fruit raw. worth knowing
Apricots are a dietary staple of the Hunza —a remote little kingdom of folks in the Himalayas that have attracted tons of attention because they live long and stay healthy. |
Erich Grotewold
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 Effects of a combination of beta-carotene and vitamin a on lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, N Engl J Med, 334: 1150-1155.
Orlowski, R. Z, and Baldwin, A. S., Jr., 2002, NF-kB as a therapeutic target in cancer, Trends Mol Med, 8:385-389.
Pan, M. H, Lin-Shiau, S. Y., Ho, C. T, Lin, J. H, and Lin, J. K, 2000, Suppression of lipopolysaccharide-induced nuclear factor-kappaB activity by theaflavin-3,3'-digallate from black tea and other polyphenols through down-regulation of IkappaB kinase activity in macrophages, Biochem Pharmacol, 59: 357-367.
Pannala, A. S., Rice-Evans, C. A. |
J. Douglas Bremner
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 In the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET), 18,314 smokers randomized to beta-carotene and vitamin a in doses equal to four carrots a day had 17% more heart disease and were 17% more likely to die.33
In the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene (ATBC) Cancer Prevention study smokers were treated with beta-carotene and alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) or placebo. There was an 8% increase in total mortality in the beta-carotene—supplemented group.34 Smokers with a prior history of heart attack in this study had a 75% increase in heart attack with beta-carotene therapy. |
Ray D. Strand
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 CoQlO has been shown to protect against the long-term damage to the heart that the drug Adriamycin causes. beta-carotene and vitamin a reduce the adverse effects of radiation and some chemotherapeutic agents. All of these antioxidants have been shown to help protect against the DNA damage to normal cells that cancer treatments cause.
Michelle's Story
Michelle was a beautiful, vibrant four-year-old. Her world was filled with love and lots of laughter. It appeared that nothing could penetrate the safe haven of her family. But Michelle's carefree life changed. |
| Again, there was actually an increase in the incidence of lung cancer in the group that was taking beta-carotene and vitamin a.29
The Physicians' Health Study
This study followed more than twenty-two thousand U.S. healthy male physicians who took either 50 mg of beta-carotene or a placebo every other day for twelve years. The supplementation showed no benefit or negative effect when it came to lung cancer or heart disease.30
My Response
Are the findings of these studies unsettling for you? At first glance, they seem disappointing, but let's take a closer look. |
J. Douglas Bremner
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| In the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET), 18,314 smokers were randomized to either beta-carotene and vitamin a in doses equal to four carrots a day or to a placebo. There was a 28% increase in lung cancer in the supplemented group, which was statistically significant.4 Mortality was 17% higher in the supplemented group as a result of a 28% higher rate of lung cancer and a 17% higher rate of heart disease. In other words, those who received the vitamin got more cancer, not less. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Another option is stewed apricots (106 calories for V2 cup of stewed fruit, unsweetened); they're delicious, even higher in potassium and fiber, and still loaded with beta-carotene and vitamin a. No beta-cryptoxanthin, though—for that, you need to eat the whole fruit raw. worth knowing
Apricots are a dietary staple of the Hunza —a remote little kingdom of folks in the Himalayas that have attracted tons of attention because they live long and stay healthy. n£ Tho 1 cn Uoalthiocf- Fnnric nn Farrh
Avocados
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Avocados are an amazing food. But until recently, you'd never know it. |
Frederic Vagnini, M.D. and Barry Fox, Ph.D.
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 Studies looking at large populations have found that consuming more foods rich in beta-carotene and vitamin a lowers the risk of developing some types of cancer. However, when researchers have looked into whether taking supplements made up of these two nutrients would reduce the risk of cancer, the results have been either mixed or negative. This suggests that betacarotene and vitamin A boost health when we get them from foods, but not necessarily from supplements. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
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 They found that women with the highest beta-carotene and vitamin a intakes had a 39 percent lower risk of cataracts severe enough to require surgery than women getting the least beta-carotene and vitamin a.
It is possible that both beta-carotene and vitamin a may help prevent oxidative damage to the lens. Vitamin A itself is not an antioxidant. But, explains Dr. |
Joseph E. Mario
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 Lung Cancer Kills 150,000 Americans yearly; higher in those deficient in beta-carotene and vitamin a retinol. A special form of Vitamin A, 13 cis-retinoic acid does not build uportoxify the liver, treats bronchial cancerwith 150,000-300,000 units per day; and those in the top 25% in Vitamin A intake from green and yel low vegetables had 50% less risk of lung cancer compared to the lowest 25%. 8-herb Essiac Formula and Willard Water, Calamus root with Yarrow tea, Coltsfoot, Comfrey leaf, Mistletoe ExtractNavelbine, andNoni juice. |
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
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 But beta-carotene and vitamin a aren't exactly identical, and beta-carotene isn't nearly as effective in normalizing very heavy menstrual bleeding."
"Why is that—if our bodies just turn beta-carotene into vitamin A anyway?"
"Only a limited amount of beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A, so if you need 'therapeutic doses' of vitamin A, beta-carotene will not do much good. If your thyroid gland is weak, this conversion would be impaired even more. Vitamin A itself is also a key nutrient in helping to revert an abnormal Pap smear to normal."
"Whoa . . . |
Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN
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 Although the Chinese solved the problem with the addition of cod liver oil, the Americans labored under the still commonly held misconception that beta-carotene and vitamin a are identical. A typical statement made by researchers at the time was that "the soybean is a legume that is noted for its vitamin A content."26 29 True vitamin A is never found in soybeans (or any other plant food) and infants cannot easily convert its precursor beta-carotene into the true vitamin A it needs for metabolism and growth.
Calcium presented another difficulty. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
See book keywords and concepts |
| They found that women with the highest beta-carotene and vitamin a intakes had a 39 percent lower risk of cataracts severe enough to require surgery than women getting the least beta-carotene and vitamin a.
It is possible that both beta-carotene and vitamin a may help prevent oxidative damage to the lens. Vitamin A itself is not an antioxidant. But, explains Dr. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
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| Be sure you're getting both beta-carotene and vitamin a in your multivitamin formula. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. |
Steven G. Pratt, M.D. and Kathy Matthews
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 In the United States, the Carotene and Retinal Efficacy Trial (CARET) study, which was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, was halted almost two years before expected completion because of the negative effects of the supplemental beta-carotene and vitamin a on smokers when compared with subjects taking a placebo.
The news of the surprising outcomes was stunning to those who follow health trends. They had become accustomed to regular positive reports that individual micronutrients help to prevent disease. What went wrong? |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
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| Be sure you're getting both beta-carotene and vitamin a in your multivitamin formula.
Other Tips on These Drugs They can skew the results of many blood and urine tests. Take them with food or they may upset your stomach.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Amiloride (Midamor) Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Triamterene (Dyrenium) Combinations (Dyazide, Moduretic, Aldactazide, Maxzide)
The potassium-sparing diuretics are usually combined with one of the other diuretics to reduce excessive potassium depletion. |
| Be sure you're getting both beta-carotene and vitamin a in your multivitamin formula. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Other Tips on These Drugs
They can skew the results of many blood and urine tests.
Loop Diuretics
Bumetanide (Bumex) Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin) Furosemide (Lasix) Torsemide (Demadex)
What Do They Do in the Body?
Increase urination, reduce fluid and water retention, largely by reducing sodium chloride (salt) uptake in your cells.
What Are They Prescribed For?
High blood pressure, edema (swelling, water retention, puffiness). |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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 They found that the serum levels of beta-carotene and vitamin a were significantly lower in the Alzheimer's disease patient group.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQio is used in the mitochondrial production of energy in the electron transport chain. A role for mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease is gaining support. Studies have implicated mitochondrial defects in Alzheimer's disease and use of CoQiq has been suggested for this reason. However, the appropriate clinical studies using CoQiq have not yet been done (Beal 1999). |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Be sure you're getting both beta-carotene and vitamin a in your multivitamin formula. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Beta-Blockers (Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents)
Acebutolol (Sectral) Atenolol (Tenormin) Betaxolol (Kerlone) Bisoprolol Fumarate (Zebeta) Carteolol (Cartrol)
Esmolol (Brevibloc) used for abnormal heartbeat Metoprolol (Lopressor. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
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 A case-controlled study in Melbourne, Australia, of eighty-eight consecutive males admitted for the surgical removal of nonmelanocytic skin cancer and eighty-eight male controls admitted for small elective surgeries has shown that those who developed skin cancer had lower levels of beta-carotene and vitamin a than the controls. The incidence of skin cancer was inversely related to the level of serum beta-carotene.15
As mentioned earlier, I recommend one carotenoid supplement only: Beta-Plex by Scientific Botanicals. |
Neal Barnard, M.D.
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 Many people think of beta-carotene and vitamin a as equivalent because, as we noted in the previous chapter, beta-carotene consists of two molecules of vitamin A. However, for some reason that has never been quite clear, vitamin A from liver and other animal products or from supplements lacks most of the immune-boosting power of beta-carotene, which comes from plants. Beta-carotene easily produces all the vitamin A the body needs and helps build immunity, too. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 These include beta-carotene and vitamin a, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium.
Minimize consumption of microwave-cooked foods. We do not really know what the long-term effects are.
Don't use irradiated foods. Effects are unknown. These may include pork, some herbs, and now possibly various fruits and vegetables. Keep your eyes and ears open to the progress, or, actually, regress of food irradiation.
Minimize barbequing or broiling with gas, as the benzopyrenes created may be hazardous.
LIFESTYLE HABITS
Avoid smoking, both primary and secondary smoking. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Be sure you're getting both beta-carotene and vitamin a in your multivitamin formula.
Other Tips on These Drugs
They can skew the results of many blood and urine tests. Take them with food or they may upset your stomach.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics Amiloride (Midamor) Spironolactone (Aldactone) Triamterene (Dyrenium)
Combinations (Dyazide, Moduretic, Aldactazide, Maxzide)
The potassium-sparing diuretics are usually combined with one of the other diuretics to reduce excessive potassium depletion. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
See book keywords and concepts |
| It is possible that both beta-carotene and vitamin a may help prevent oxidative damage to the lens. Vitamin A itself is not an antioxidant. But, explains Dr. Hankinson, "it's possible that people who get enough preformed vitamin A in their diets have more beta-carotene and other carotenoids available to act as antioxidants, since these compounds may be converted to vitamin A only as the body needs them." In other words, if you're taking in enough vitamin A, your body won't need to use up beta-carotene to make the vitamin for you. |
| We also looked at beta-carotene and vitamin a," says Tang. Between 7,622 and 11,179 international units of beta-carotene a day was associated with a 42 percent increase in survival. But in one of those odd nutritional quirks found so often in HIV, more or less beta-carotene did not result in any improvement.
The same thing occurred with vitamin A, which is chemically telated to beta-carotene. Between 9,098 and 20,762 international units a day was associated with protection.
Those therapeutic windows were not the only nutritional surprises found by Tang and her colleagues. |
Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.
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 If your're a smoker (and we sincerely hope you're not), eat lots of broccoli — beta-carotene and vitamin a have both been shown to help your body resist lung cancer.
Brussels Sprouts
Looking like little cabbages, these tasty vegetables pack a big punch against cancer. Dr. Lee Wattenberg, a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, was the first to discover that Brussels sprouts, along with cabbage and broccoli, are chock-full of substances called indoles — potent preventers of cancer. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 Include in your diet plenty of foods that are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin a. These include carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes, dark leafy vegetables, and broccoli. These nutrients help healing and act to strengthen mucous membranes.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
¦ If your menu lacks sufficient food sources of folic acid (see under Dietary Guidelines, above), take 800 micrograms of folic acid in supplement form three times daily for two months. You should see an improvement in your next Pap smear. |
| NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
¦ beta-carotene and vitamin a help reduce inflammation and are necessary for tissue repair. Take 5,000 international units of each twice daily for one month.
Note: If you are pregnant, or intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A. Pregnant women should not ingest a total of more than 25,000 international units of supplemental vitamin A per week from all sources.
¦ Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory. Take 400 milligrams three times daily, between meals, while symptoms last. |
| A good multivitamin and mineral supplement should be the first supplement you try, to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of all the major vitamins and minerals.
¦ beta-carotene and vitamin a promote tissue healing. Take 10,000 international units of each twice a day for one month.
Note: If you are pregnant, or intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A. Pregnant women should not ingest a total of more than 25,000 international units of supplemental vitamin A per week from all sources. |
| Take 150 milligrams three times daily.
¦ beta-carotene and vitamin a help burned skin to heal. Take 5,000 international units of vitamin A and 15,000 international units of beta-carotene twice a day until healing is complete.
Note: If you are pregnant, or intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A. Pregnant women should not ingest a total of more than 25,000 international units of supplemental vitamin A per week from all sources.
¦ Coenzyme Q10 increases the oxygenation of tissues. Take 30 milligrams four times daily. |
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