 cells during chemotherapy or radiation therapy. He and colleagues reviewed published data from randomized clinical trials addressing benefits versus risks of such antioxidant
The researchers concluded that the use of supplemental antioxidants during cancer therapies should be discouraged because of the possibility of tumor protection. The commentary was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2008.
Phytochemicals and other food components affect genes that trigger specific molecular mechanisms. Depending on the concentration and exposure over time, some of these mechanisms are similar to detoxification and some promote stress. For example, the food compounds that "turn on" detoxifying phase I and phase II enzymes can help clear the carcinogens.
Consuming a varied diet that provides adequate levels of all recommended nutrients from foods is the best way to eat well without upsetting the balance of individual nutrients in the body. A personalized eating plan and assessment of individual food choices based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can be found at MyPyramid.gov.--By Rosalie Marion Bliss, ARS.
This research is part of Human Nutrition, an A RS national program (#107) described at www. nps.ars.usda.gov.
To reach scientists mentioned in this article, contact Rosalie Bliss, USDA-ARS Information Staff 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705-5129; (301) 504-4318, firstname.lastname@example.org.
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