[Protective vegetal micronutrients and microcomponents for breast cancer]

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Cancer Prevention
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Micronutrients play a role in cancer development.
• Understanding the impact of dietary components on cancer is crucial for prevention strategies.
• Existing research on specific micronutrients and cancer risk presents mixed findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current evidence on the effects of micronutrients on cancer.
• To evaluate the mechanistic hypotheses for micronutrients' roles in cancer.
• To assess the potential of dietary interventions for cancer prevention.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of reference books and a European concerted action report.
• Updated data analysis using consistent methodological criteria (sample size, questionnaire quality, statistical methods).
• Consideration of mechanistic hypotheses for each micronutrient's effect on cancer's natural history.

Main Results:

• Folates may interact with alcohol consumption to decrease breast cancer risk.
• Evidence for vitamins C, E, carotenoids, and fiber shows inconsistent results, though biological plausibility supports fiber's protective role.
• Phytoestrogen studies are limited, but proposed mechanisms suggest potential protection against cancer.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence on many micronutrients and cancer risk is inconclusive, necessitating caution in interpretation.
• Biological mechanisms suggest potential protective roles for fiber and phytoestrogens.
• Further research is needed to clarify the role of micronutrients in cancer prevention and therapy.