Carotenoids and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Adequate intake of diets rich in α- and β-carotene may help guard against the development of breast cancer in women.

This study examined the correlation between the ingestion of carotenoid-rich foods and the occurrence of breast cancer. Researchers analyzed data and evidence obtained from 33 published literatures on the subject.

Researchers found out that high intake of diets rich in α- and β-carotene may cut down the odds of developing breast cancer by 6 - 9%. On the other hand, increased consumption of food high in β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/+zeaxanthin, and lycopene was found to have little or no effect on breast cancer risk. The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that the incidence of breast cancer may decrease in women with high intake of foods high α- and β-carotene.