Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the main dietary components linked to an increased risk of environmental cancers?
What is one of the main dietary components linked to an increased risk of environmental cancers?
Which nutrient is specifically noted for helping prevent the formation of a carcinogen in the GI tract?
Which nutrient is specifically noted for helping prevent the formation of a carcinogen in the GI tract?
What role does excess body fat play in cancer risk according to the information provided?
What role does excess body fat play in cancer risk according to the information provided?
Which lifestyle behavior is suggested to potentially prevent about 40% of cancer cases?
Which lifestyle behavior is suggested to potentially prevent about 40% of cancer cases?
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What is the primary goal of medical nutrition therapy during cancer treatment?
What is the primary goal of medical nutrition therapy during cancer treatment?
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Which carotenoid is responsible for the yellow-orange color found in sweet potatoes and carrots?
Which carotenoid is responsible for the yellow-orange color found in sweet potatoes and carrots?
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Which of the following functions is NOT associated with Zinc?
Which of the following functions is NOT associated with Zinc?
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What is a primary role of selenium in the body?
What is a primary role of selenium in the body?
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Which antioxidant phytochemical is known for its red, blue, and purple pigments found in berries?
Which antioxidant phytochemical is known for its red, blue, and purple pigments found in berries?
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What health benefit is associated with phytochemicals regarding cancer?
What health benefit is associated with phytochemicals regarding cancer?
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Which of the following is NOT a part of the CAUTION acronym for early cancer detection?
Which of the following is NOT a part of the CAUTION acronym for early cancer detection?
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Which of the following diseases can phytochemicals help reduce the risk of?
Which of the following diseases can phytochemicals help reduce the risk of?
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What role does Vitamin A play in eye health?
What role does Vitamin A play in eye health?
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What is a primary role of carotenoids in relation to cardiovascular health?
What is a primary role of carotenoids in relation to cardiovascular health?
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Which function of Vitamin A is related to cancer prevention?
Which function of Vitamin A is related to cancer prevention?
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How does Vitamin C support immune function?
How does Vitamin C support immune function?
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Which of the following is a key function of Vitamin E?
Which of the following is a key function of Vitamin E?
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What is a consequence of excessive supplementation of Vitamin A?
What is a consequence of excessive supplementation of Vitamin A?
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Which food consumption pattern is associated with reduced cancer risk?
Which food consumption pattern is associated with reduced cancer risk?
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What role does Vitamin A play in eye health?
What role does Vitamin A play in eye health?
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Which of the following vitamins aids in the absorption of iron?
Which of the following vitamins aids in the absorption of iron?
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Study Notes
Learning Outcomes
- Understand oxidation and reduction, and describe how antioxidants neutralize free radicals.
- Outline the functions of vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and zinc.
- Describe functions of phytochemicals that support body defenses.
- Describe relationships between body fatness, dietary patterns, and cancer risk.
The Immune System
- Collection of diverse tissues including skin, intestinal cells, white blood cells, and lymphoid tissue.
- These work together to prevent infection, break down aged cells, and remove abnormal cells.
Two Categories of Immune Response
- Innate (non-specific) immunity is present from birth.
- Physical and chemical defenses prevent foreign substances from entering the body.
- Adaptive (specific) immunity develops over time in response to individual pathogens.
Innate (Non-specific) Immune Response
- Inflammatory response involves macrophages activated by foreign proteins/pathogens.
- Macrophages release cytokines causing swelling and fever; this is usually short-lived.
- Chronic, low-level inflammation is linked to various ailments.
- Refined carbohydrates, added sugars, solid fats, and overall calorie intake are linked to inflammation.
- Fruits, vegetables, plant proteins, unsaturated fats, and whole grains are associated with lower inflammation and risk of chronic diseases.
Adaptive (Specific) Immunity Response
- Lymphocytes—produce antibodies.
- Antibodies bind to antigens.
- They mark foreign proteins/microorganisms for destruction by white blood cells.
- Adaptive response can take days or weeks to eliminate pathogens.
- Templates are created to remember pathogens for future exposure.
Nutrients That Support the Immune Response
- Constant cell synthesis needs steady nutrient intake.
- Protein supplies building blocks for new cells.
- Vitamin B6 is involved in amino acid metabolism to create new proteins.
- Folate, vitamin B12, and iron are necessary for DNA synthesis.
- Minerals support cell structure and destruction of pathogens.
- Zinc and copper are critical for white blood cell production.
- Iron and zinc are for white blood cell enzymes to destroy pathogens.
Vitamins A and D Regulate Gene Expression
- Active forms of vitamins A and D bind to DNA receptors to activate or deactivate genes.
- They influence immune system activity at the genetic level.
- Vitamin D limits the action of certain white blood cells and is linked to a decreased risk of autoimmune diseases.
Antioxidant Nutrients Protect Immune Cells
- Vitamin C, E, and selenium act as antioxidants.
- They protect immune cells from oxidation damage.
- White blood cells utilize oxidation to kill pathogens.
- Antioxidants may increase proliferation of immune cells.
- They regulate the expression of proteins involved in immune responses.
Micronutrients That Support Immune Function
- Specific micronutrients and their roles in immune function are detailed for Vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D, E, Folate, Zinc, Iron, Copper, and Selenium.
Oxidation and Reduction
- Atoms have a nucleus with protons and neutrons, and surrounding electrons.
- Positive and negative charges balance in an atom.
- Atoms bond to form molecules.
- Oxidation is the loss of a negatively charged electron.
- Reduction is the gain of a negatively charged electron.
- Free radicals are unstable atoms with unpaired electrons, and overproduction can harm healthy cells.
- Oxidation-reduction reactions transfer electrons between molecules.
Antioxidant Defenses
- Body's defense mechanisms include enzyme systems and antioxidant chemicals working together to limit free radical formation.
- Antioxidant enzymes require minerals such as selenium, manganese, zinc, iron, and copper.
- Antioxidant enzymes include superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase.
- Dietary antioxidants significantly decrease reactive species' adverse effects on human function.
- They prevent or repair damage from oxidation.
Free Radicals Damage DNA
- Free radicals damage specific structures such as DNA within cells.
- Antioxidants defend against adverse effects of free radicals.
Oxidative Stress Linked to Many Chronic Diseases
- Oxidative stress is the imbalance between reactive compounds produced and the body's ability to protect against these adverse effects.
- Oxidative stress is linked to various chronic diseases.
Forms of Vitamin A
- Preformed vitamin A (retinoids) has three active forms: retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid, found only in animal products.
- Stored retinol is esterified to fatty acids, such as retinyl ester, and found in supplements as retinyl acetate or palmitate.
Carotenoids
- Plants contain carotenoids, phytochemicals with health benefits.
- Carotenoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin are pro-vitamins A, meaning they can be converted to Vitamin A.
- Other carotenoids like lycopene, zeaxanthin, and lutein have additional health benefits.
Functions: Health of Epithelial Cells and Immune Function
- Epithelial cells line internal and external surfaces including eyes, skin, lungs, and intestines.
- They are vital barriers preventing infection.
- Vitamin A supports the function of T-lymphocytes (T-cells).
Functions: Eye Health and Vision
- Vitamin A is essential for light-dark and color vision.
- Vitamin A deficiency leads to night blindness.
- Rods and cones located in the retina are dependent on Vitamin A for proper function.
Carotenoids and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Macula is the central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids in high concentrations, imparting a yellow color.
- Higher intakes of carotenoids may help prevent or slow macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults.
Functions: Growth, Developmental and Reproduction
- Vitamin A binds to DNA receptors increasing protein synthesis, playing a role in growth.
- It impacts differentiation of cells and maturation of organs, formation of healthy bone tissue, and male sperm production as well as the normal reproductive cycle in women.
Functions: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- Carotenoids may inhibit oxidation of LDLs (low-density lipoproteins).
- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is part of a comprehensive strategy for reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Functions: Cancer Prevention
- Vitamin A plays a role in cellular differentiation and embryonic development.
- Dietary patterns rich in carotenoids are associated with lower cancer risk.
- Supplements and megadoses of Vitamin A can pose a toxicity risk.
Functions of Vitamin C
- Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, crucial structural protein in connective tissues such as bone, teeth, tendons, and blood vessels.
- Vitamin C aids in synthesizing certain compounds like carnitine, which transports fatty acids.
- It supports the immune system as an antioxidant, being vital for immune function.
- Vitamin C may reduce carcinogen nitrosamine formation in the stomach.
- It helps re-activate Vitamin E.
- Vitamin C increases iron absorption.
Functions of Vitamin E
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports muscle and central nervous system formation.
- It maintains overall nervous tissue and immune function.
Vitamin E as an Antioxidant
- Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is found in adipose tissue and cell membranes.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are susceptible to oxidative attack.
- Vitamin E donates electrons or hydrogens to free radicals making cells more stable.
- It is particularly important in areas with high oxygen levels such as red blood cells and lungs.
Vitamin E in Cell Membranes
- Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals in cell membranes, protecting them from damage.
- This is critical in membranes with high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Selenium Functions
- Selenium is a trace mineral and an important part of glutathione peroxidase.
- This antioxidant enzyme converts dangerous peroxides into water.
- Selenium protects vitamin E, maintaining cell membrane integrity.
- It's part of thyroid hormone activation.
Functions of Zinc
- Zinc supports DNA synthesis and function.
- It plays roles in protein metabolism, wound healing, growth, development of bones and reproductive organs, insulin regulation, cell membrane structure and function.
- It's part of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that prevents oxidative cell damage, and white blood cell formation.
Antioxidant Phytochemicals
- Carotenoids (like beta-carotene and lycopene) are yellow-orange/red pigments found in various fruits and vegetables.
- Anthocyanins are red, blue, and purple pigments in berries.
- Polyphenols (including flavonoids in blueberries, chocolate, citrus, and raspberries) are the largest group of phytochemicals.
Functions of Phytochemicals
- Phytochemicals have antibacterial/antiviral properties.
- They can influence blood pressure and blood clotting.
- They potentially reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, cancers, type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.
Early Detection of Cancer
- Early detection is crucial when cancer is undetected as it spreads quickly.
- Use the CAUTION acronym to recognize potential warning signs.
- Unexplained weight loss is another potential warning sign.
- Routine screenings are vital.
Factors That Influence Development of Cancer
- Genetics plays a role in 5-10% of cancers, influencing colon, breast, and prostate cancers.
- Environment is a major factor in 90-95% of cases, including body fatness and dietary patterns.
- Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol, physical activity, UV exposure, and dietary patterns are modifiable factors.
Body Fat Linked to Cancer Risk
- Excess body fat is linked to one-third of cancer deaths, influenced by factors like suboptimal nutrition and physical inactivity.
- Excess fat stimulates hormone and protein secretion, promoting inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Research indicates that restricting calories in animals reduces tumor development.
Cancer-Fighting Foods
- Antioxidants and phytochemicals in foods can prevent DNA mutations.
- Vitamins C and E potentially reduce the formation of nitrosamines (carcinogens) in the GI tract.
- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of numerous cancers.
Nutrition Concern During Cancer Treatment
- Medical nutrition therapy goals aim to minimize weight loss, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and preserve muscle mass.
- Common side effects like fatigue, mouth sores, and nausea impact food intake.
- Small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals and liquid supplements are often necessary.
Cancer Prevention
- Healthy living and preventative policies can reduce cancer incidence by 40 percent.
- Behaviors to adopt include living smoke-free, sun safety, maintaining healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising more, and limiting alcohol consumption.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the dietary components linked to cancer risks and how nutrition can play a role in prevention. This quiz covers topics such as medical nutrition therapy and the impact of phytochemicals on health. Dive into the nuances of how certain nutrients and lifestyle choices can influence cancer outcomes.
