A study from the University of Bologna has shown the mechanisms by which an excess of vitamin E can increase the risk of prostate cancer
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousLa Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found mainly in vegetable oils and oil seeds, known for its antioxidant effect on cell membranes.
Although the beneficial activity of vitamin E is recognized, in some conditions the protective action of this natural compound can reverse and favor the mechanisms that lead to the formation of cancer cells.
New research by theUniversity of Bologna through in vitro and in vivo studies performed to evaluate the mechanisms by which vitamin E intake is involved in carcinogenesis.
The researchers found that an excess of vitamin E, rather than having a protective effect on tumor formation, in some tissues promotes harmful oxidative processes.
In particular, overdoses of Vitamin E induce enzymes responsible for transformation of pre-carcinogenic substances into carcinogens and favor the increase of free radicals, substances capable of damaging the DNA of cells and the development of cancer.
High dosages of vitamin E have been linked in particular to a increased risk of prostate cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer in men.
The results of this research confirm those of a clinical study started in 2001: the study, called SELECT, was started to verify the beneficial action of vitamin E supplementation and had instead surprisingly shown that vitamin E supplementation was able to influence the risk of prostate cancer.
The research of the University of Bologna has therefore given one response the relationship between increased prostate cancer and the use of vitamin E supplements: a excess vitamin increases the activity of benzo [a] pyrene, a carcinogenic substance found in cigarette smoke and in the exhaust gases of diesel engines.
Should we therefore stop consuming vegetable oils and oilseeds? Absolutely no: the study refers to the integration of vitamin E and not to the intake of this substance through food.
La Vitamin E present in food, it protects the lipids present in the membranes of our cells from oxidation and therefore has a important protective effect.
What emerges from the study is that the use of supplements does not always bring benefits: supplements can be of great help in some conditions, while in others they can be harmful, so before taking them it is good always consult your doctor, pharmacist or herbalist, avoiding to do it yourself.
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Tatiana Maselli
