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Article: Beta-carotene may lower vitamin E stores. (clinical research suggests the two antioxidants may interfere with one another) (Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Science News
- Article date:
- May 14, 1994
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1994 Science Service, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Beta-carotene supplements, reputed to stave off cancer and other diseases, may lower the body's supply of another presumed cancer fighter -- vitamin E -- scientists say.
Vitamin E and beta-carotene caught the attention of physicians because of their disease-preventing potential (SN: 9/18/93, p.183). Both substances can act as antioxidants, preventing the cell damage caused by carcinogens. Beta-carotene can also be converted in the body to vitamin A, which prevents night blindness.
Researchers had previously thought that the two substances did not interfere with each other in the body. "That had been the dogma for some time," says Thomas O. Frommel of ...