title: Micronutrients and cancer prevention: are the RDAs adequate?
abstract: The involvement of certain micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium) in the antioxidant defense system against free radical cell damage, and of vitamin A in the differentiation of epithelial cells, has raised the question whether intakes of these nutrients in excess of their recommended daily allowances should be recommended to the general public for cancer prevention. The considerations surrounding this question are discussed, and it is concluded that such measures are unjustified by present epidemiological and experimental evidence. Any such action should await the outcome of ongoing intervention trials.
authors: Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
authors: H H
authors: HH
authors: Draper
authors: R P
authors: RP
authors: Bird
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D012643:Selenium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019207:beta Carotene
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; D014810:Vitamin E; D002338:Carotenoids; D012643:Selenium; D001205:Ascorbic Acid