Antioxidants are believed to prevent cancer, but animal studies at the University of Hong Kong School of Medicine have shown that antioxidants can actually stimulate the growth of liver cancer cells. It is recommended that patients with liver cancer avoid taking large doses of antioxidants, such as vitamin A and C. Or E.
The relevant findings of the Hong Kong University School of Medicine can be found in the minutes of the National Academy of Sciences. Relevant studies in the past have shown that the active oxides (also called free radicals) produced by the human body often attack cells, causing gene mutations and producing cancer cells. Generally, cells produce antioxidants to inhibit free radicals.
However, in a study speculated based on animal experiments, when there are a lot of free radicals in the body of liver cancer patients, the enzyme transketolase (TKT) in the body will produce more resistant antioxidants, so this experiment has shown that it can promote liver cancer Cell growth. According to this phenomenon, the intake of extra antioxidants can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Woolve Irian, a professor of pathology at the University of Hong Kong who led the study, said the findings question the traditional view that antioxidants can prevent cancer. it is. It is recommended that patients with liver cancer avoid taking high-dose supplements. She emphasized that although studies have shown that high doses of antioxidants can stimulate the growth of cancer cells, they have not been proven to cause cancer. Since TKT is also present in many cancers, including colorectal cancer and lung cancer cells, studies have shown that antioxidants can also stimulate the development of other types of cancer cells. She said this study did not confirm whether antioxidants increase the risk of cancer cells in healthy people.
Huang Zelei, assistant professor at the Li Kaxin School of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, pointed out that many fruits, vegetables and dairy products contain antioxidant vitamins A, C or E. Cancer patients do not need to avoid food. Many patients need food. The nutrients contained therein also contain a small amount of antioxidants.