Should aspirin be used to counteract 'salicylate deficiency'?
Aspirin (acetylsalicylate) is an inexpensive drug that is used extensively to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Emerging evidence suggests that aspirin reduces the risk of other chronic diseases such as certain forms of cancer. Salicylate may contribute to the disease reduction effects. It is present naturally in fruits and vegetables and individuals with a low intake of these foods may be 'salicylate deficient'. This deleterious state may constitute a significant public health threat. Interventions to prevent deficiency, such as low-dose aspirin programmes, could have substantial beneficial health impacts around the world.
Morgan
Gareth
G
National Public Health Service for Wales, 36 Orchard Street, Swansea, U.K. gareth.morgan@nphs.wales.nhs.uk
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D011634:Public Health; D012459:Salicylates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014675:Vegetables / Q000737:chemistry
D012459:Salicylates; D001241:Aspirin