Nutritional Approach to Sun Protection: A Complement to External Strategies

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A recent study published in Nutrition Reviews suggests that a nutritional approach may play a beneficial role in skin cancer prevention. Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that nutrients such as antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, in addition to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, and low pro-inflammatory n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have demonstrated protective properties against penetrating photo-oxidative ultraviolet A radiation. The presence of these elements in the traditional Greek-style Mediterranean diet may have contributed to the low rates of melanoma in the Mediterranean region despite high levels of solar radiation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study suggests that a nutritional approach may complement external sun protection strategies and provide lifelong internal support for sun-protection mechanisms.
  • Penetrating photo-oxidative ultraviolet A radiation reduces skin and blood antioxidants and damages cell components, including DNA.
  • Dietary antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, in addition to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, and low pro-inflammatory n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have demonstrated protective properties.
  • The traditional Greek-style Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by a high intake of these nutrients, may have contributed to the low rates of melanoma in the Mediterranean region.
  • The study suggests that this nutritional approach may be relevant for studying dietary/nutritional supplementation as a complement to external sun protection strategies.
  • Shapira and colleagues published their study in Nutrition Reviews in 2010, with the journal citing the article as "Nutritional approach to sun protection: a suggested complement to external strategies. Nutrition Reviews, 2010;68(2):75-86."
  • The researchers from Tel Aviv University, led by N. Shapira, concluded that this approach may have significant implications for the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering nutrition as a complement to external sun protection strategies, particularly for individuals with a high risk of skin cancer.

Statistics:

  • The study mentions that the traditional Greek-style Mediterranean diet, characterized by high intakes of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and low pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, may have contributed to the low rates of melanoma in the Mediterranean region.
  • The study suggests that dietary antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, in addition to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, and low pro-inflammatory n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have demonstrated protective properties against photo-oxidative damage.
  • According to the study, penetrating photo-oxidative ultraviolet A radiation reduces skin and blood antioxidants and damages cell components, including DNA.

Sources:

  • Shapira, N., et al. (2010). Nutritional approach to sun protection: a suggested complement to external strategies. Nutrition Reviews, 68(2), 75-86.
  • Tel Aviv University. (n.d.). Skin Cancer Therapy.
  • Blackwell Publishing Inc. (n.d.). Nutrition Reviews.