‘Healthful’ Antioxidants That May Cause Cancer

In what may be yet another case of eat-this-oh-wait-don’t-eat-this, the safety of several plant-based antioxidants are being called in to question.

Scientists are suggesting more research on the possibility that some plant-based antioxidants–including some commonly touted as healthful and renowned for their cancer-fighting ability–may actually aggravate or cause cancer in people with diabetes. The recommendation was made after a study in which two antioxidants, quercetin and ferulic acid, appeared to aggravate kidney cancer.

The plant-based antioxidants looked at in this study are quercetin, which is abundant in onions and black tea, and ferulic acid, found in corn, tomatoes, and rice bran. Both also are used in a number of herbal remedies and dietary supplements.

The study found that diabetic laboratory rats fed either quercetin or ferulic acid developed more advanced forms of kidney cancer, and concluded the two antioxidants appear to aggravate or possibly cause kidney cancer. “Some researchers believe that quercetin should not be used by healthy people for prevention until it can be shown that quercetin does not itself cause cancer,” the report states. “In this study we report that quercetin aggravated, at least, if not directly caused, kidney cancer in rats,” it adds, suggesting that health agencies like the U. S. Food and Drug Administration should reevaluate the safety of plant-based antioxidants.

Until further studies are performed, it seems prudent to limit intake of these antioxidants to their natural food forms, and to not consume extra doses in the form of remedies or supplements.

The study, “Quercetin and Ferulic Acid Aggravate Renal Carcinoma in Long-Term Diabetic Victims” appears in ACS’ bi-weekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sheila L.

9:22AM PDT on Apr 12, 2012

It's best to stick to good food!

send a green star

Danuta W.

1:44AM PDT on Mar 26, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

Robert O.

5:18PM PDT on Oct 13, 2011

Thanks Melissa.

Carole R.

2:34PM PDT on Aug 7, 2011

It's something to keep up on. More studies are needed.

Jessica F.

5:41AM PDT on Jul 25, 2011

thank you

criss S.

5:09PM PDT on May 22, 2011

Ty.

Jennifer C.

5:12PM PDT on Apr 28, 2011

Interesting article. Thanks for the posting.

Diane S.

3:18PM PDT on Mar 31, 2011

Interesting article !

Ashley V.

5:56PM PST on Mar 8, 2011

It seems like just eating whole foods is the best way to get nutrients to prevent cancer. Foods like broccoli and kale, almonds (for those who can eat them) and other organic, plant-based products will inevitably provide your body with what it "needs" to remain healthy. And no, not cinammon sugar almonds and cheesy broccoli, either. Just the good stuff.