Long-term supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in smokers.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene supplementation on the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in smokers.


METHODS
An end-point examination of a random sample of participants in a controlled trial for 5-7 years (Alpha-Tocopherol Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study) in Helsinki, Finland.


METHODS
A total of 409 white male cigarette smokers, aged 55-74 years who received either alpha-tocopherol (50 mg per day) or beta-carotene (20 mg per day) supplementation, both of these or placebo capsules.


METHODS
Clinical examination of oral mucosae, histological examination of lesions showing leukoplakia and cytological examination of buccal epithelium. Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences were found between the study groups either in the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions or in the cells of unkeratinized epithelium. Leukoplakia was present in 24 (5.9%) of the subjects. Seven lesions showed dysplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study on oral health does not support the hypothesis that alpha-tocopherol or beta-carotene supplementation plays an essential role in preventing oral mucosal changes in smokers.
Liede
K
K
University of Helsinki, Institute of Dentistry, Finland.
Hietanen
J
J
Saxen
L
L
Haukka
J
J
Timonen
T
T
Häyrinen-Immonen
R
R
Heinonen
O P
OP
D000368:Aged; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D019207:beta Carotene; D014810:Vitamin E