Positive Health Online

Abstract

MALVY and colleagues, INSERM U056, Hospital Center of Bicetre, France studied serum levels of antioxidant vitamins A, E, beta-carotene, zinc and selenium and cholesterol and related proteins in children with cancer.

Background

Methodology

170 children between 1-16 years old, with newly diagnosed cancer had their serum levels of antioxidant vitamins A, E, beta-carotene, zinc, selenium and cholesterol determined at diagnosis and after 6 months of treatment. These were compared with those of 632 cancer-free control children.

Results

At the time of diagnosis, age- and sex-adjusted serum levels of vitamins A, E, beta-carotene and zinc were significantly inversely associated with cancer . At 6 months, there were no significant decreases in mean values, apart from the vitamin E to cholesterol ratio and serum zinc levels in bone tumour and central nervous system cancers. Retinol and selenium levels increased during treatment in children with leukemia and beta-carotene stayed at the initial levels prior to treatment.

Conclusion

These results provide further clinical information regarding micronutrient requirements for children with cancer.

References

Malvy DJ et al. Antioxidant micronutrients and childhood malignancy during oncological treatment. Med Pediatr Oncol 29(3): 213-7. Sept 1997 .