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Published on: October 16, 2010
Carbohydrate Nutrition and the Risk of Cancer
Christian A Maino Vieytes1, Hania M Taha2, Amirah A Burton-Obanla1
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 905 S Goodwin Ave, 386 Bevier Hall, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
This review summarizes a selection of epidemiologic research assessing the associations between carbohydrate intake and cancer incidence and survival. Evidence for plausible biological mechanisms is also considered.
Recent Findings:
The mechanistic paradigm explaining the relationship between carbohydrates and cancer risk has been contested by numerous observational studies. Carbohydrates have conventionally been ascribed a deleterious role in the field of cancer research due to previous preclinical findings. A breadth of studies suggests that complex carbohydrate intake is inversely associated with risk of a number of cancer types. Data from studies assessing simple carbohydrates and cancer risk are mixed. Furthermore, recommendations for subsequent studies are framed.
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