05.01.09
Indication: Cancer and overall mortality
Source: J Natl Cancer Inst, Apr 1, 2009;101(7):507-18.
Research: The General Population Nutrition Intervention Trial was a randomized primary esophageal and gastric cancer prevention trial conducted from 1985 to 1991, in which 29,584 adult participants in Linxian, China, were given daily vitamin and mineral supplements. Treatment with “factor D”—a combination of 50 micrograms of selenium, 30 mg of vitamin E and 15 mg of beta-carotene—led to decreased mortality from all causes, cancer overall and gastric cancer. Researchers continued to follow these subjects 10 years after the end of active intervention. Participants were assessed through periodic data collection, monthly visits by village health workers, and quarterly review of the Linxian Cancer Registry.
Results: Through May 31, 2001, 276 participants were lost to follow-up; 9727 died, including 3242 from cancer (1515 from esophageal cancer and 1199 from gastric cancer). Participants who took factor D had lower overall mortality and gastric cancer mortality than subjects who did not take factor D. Individuals 55 and younger derived the most benefit from the supplement. These data led researchers to conclude that the beneficial effects of selenium, vitamin E and beta-carotene on mortality were still evident up to 10 years after the cessation of supplementation and were consistently greater in younger participants.
Source: J Natl Cancer Inst, Apr 1, 2009;101(7):507-18.
Research: The General Population Nutrition Intervention Trial was a randomized primary esophageal and gastric cancer prevention trial conducted from 1985 to 1991, in which 29,584 adult participants in Linxian, China, were given daily vitamin and mineral supplements. Treatment with “factor D”—a combination of 50 micrograms of selenium, 30 mg of vitamin E and 15 mg of beta-carotene—led to decreased mortality from all causes, cancer overall and gastric cancer. Researchers continued to follow these subjects 10 years after the end of active intervention. Participants were assessed through periodic data collection, monthly visits by village health workers, and quarterly review of the Linxian Cancer Registry.
Results: Through May 31, 2001, 276 participants were lost to follow-up; 9727 died, including 3242 from cancer (1515 from esophageal cancer and 1199 from gastric cancer). Participants who took factor D had lower overall mortality and gastric cancer mortality than subjects who did not take factor D. Individuals 55 and younger derived the most benefit from the supplement. These data led researchers to conclude that the beneficial effects of selenium, vitamin E and beta-carotene on mortality were still evident up to 10 years after the cessation of supplementation and were consistently greater in younger participants.