Nutrition and gastric cancer risk: an update

Data from epidemiologic, experimental, and animal studies indicate that diet plays an important role in the etiology of gastric cancer. High intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, lycopene and lycopene-containing food products, and potentially vitamin C and selenium may reduce the risk for gastric cancer. Data also suggest that high intake of nitrosamines, processed meat products, salt and salted foods, and overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for gastric cancer. However, current data provide little support for an association of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and alcohol consumption with risk for gastric cancer. (C) 2008 International Life Sciences Institute.