Nutritional approach to sun protection: a suggested complement to external strategies.
The increasing incidence of skin cancer despite the use of externally applied sun protection strategies, alongside research showing that nutrients reduce photo-oxidative damage, suggest nutritional approaches could play a beneficial role in skin cancer prevention. Penetrating photo-oxidative ultraviolet A radiation reduces skin and blood antioxidants and damages cell components, including DNA. Dietary antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in addition to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, and low pro-inflammatory n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have demonstrated protective properties. The presence of these elements in the traditional Greek-style Mediterranean diet may have contributed to the low rates of melanoma in the Mediterranean region despite high levels of solar radiation. This suggests a potentially relevant model for studying dietary/nutritional supplementation for lifelong internal support of sun-protection mechanisms, which could complement external strategies.
Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. nivnet@inter.net.il
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D000287:Administration, Topical; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D004249:DNA Damage; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000975:Antioxidants; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D018977:Micronutrients; D013473:Sunscreening Agents