A223 Dietary intake of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid reduces benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts for female smokers with the GSTM1 null genotype. Manuela A. Orjuela et al, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY. “Components of cigarette smoking can cause DNA damage. Biomarkers of DNA damage such as BP-DNA adducts are associated with tumor formation. Antioxidant vitamins may mitigate such DNA damage. Individuals lacking the glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1) genes have a decreased ability to detoxify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Smokers not currently taking vitamins were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial with 400 IU a-tocopherol and 500 mg ascorbic acid supplements. We examined the effect of dietary intake of a-tocopherol and ascorbic acid on BP-DNA adduct levels in the peripheral blood of 296 healthy smokers prior to treatment. “ (Conclusion:) Dietary intake of both alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid decreases DNA damage among women smokers, particularly among GSTM1 null women. The greater effect seens when intake is greater than RDA suggests that chemoprevention with vitamin supplements may be protective. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.