Voedingsadvies El MondoResearch Question:
Is there a link between swallowing beta-carotene and getting cancer?
Study Design:
This overview article contained 6 Rcts with 40544 participants, of which 20290 20254 in beta-carotene group and in the placebo group. The average age was 55.1 years (18-84 years) and 96.2% of the participants was man. The dosage of beta-carotene was 30, 50 or 75 mg daily or every other day.
Results and conclusions:
The researchers found that taking beta carotene cancer incidence (the number of cancer cases) non-significant with 8% [95% CI = 0.99-1.18] increased. Non-significant is, there is no link to a 95% reliability. In other words, there cannot be said with 95% reliability, that swallowing of beta carotene cancer cases increased by 8%.
The researchers found that taking beta carotene cancer mortality (dying of cancer) with 0% [95% CI = 0.87-1.15] increased.
Similar results were found in both primary prevention-Rcts as in secondary prevention-Rcts.
The subgroup-analyses (to get additional information) showed that taking beta carotene the chances of getting bladder cancer significantly with 52% [95 BI = 1.03-2.24] increased. Significant is, there is a link at a 95% reliability.
Let the subgroup analyses also show that swallowing beta-carotene the chance of getting cancer among smokers non-significant with 7% [95 BI = 0.99-1.17] increased.
The researchers concluded that taking beta carotene nor the chance of getting cancer increased, except for bladder cancer or reduced.
Original title:
Effects of beta-carotene Supplements on Cancer Prevention: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials by Young-Jee J, Seung-Kwon M [...], Bong Yul H.
Link:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01635581.2011.607541
Additional information about El Mondo:
Beta carotene is a carotenoid and is responsible for the red color of roots. Read more about carotenoids.
The EFSA has no claims of beta-carotene approved. Swallow only nutritional supplements when the claim has been approved by EFSA or when a protective effect is found in the review articles of Rcts.