SEATTLE, May 18 (UPI) -- Lycopene, an antioxidant predominately found in tomatoes, does not effectively prevent prostate cancer, according to a U.S. study.
In fact, researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle noted an association between beta-carotene, an antioxidant related to lycopene, and an increased risk for aggressive prostate cancer.
Previous studies suggested that a diet rich in lycopene protected against prostate cancer, according to study leader Ulrike Peters.
The researchers tracked more than 28,000 men between the ages of 55 and 74 with no history of prostate cancer. The men were initially screened for prostate cancer. The men gave a blood sample and completed a questionnaire related to their health, diet and lifestyle.
The researchers found no significant difference between the men who had prostate cancer and those who did not in relation to the concentration of lycopene in their bloodstream.
Most surprising was the increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer -- defined as disease that has spread beyond the prostate -- and beta-carotene, another antioxidant found in many vegetables and commonly used as a dietary supplement, according to Peters.
"While it would be counter-productive to advise people against eating carrots and leafy vegetables, I would say to be cautious about taking beta carotene supplements, particularly at high doses, and consult a physician," Peters said in a statement.
