Garlic and the risk of cancer

 The FDA has evaluated the scientific evidence for garlic intake with respect to the risk of different types of cancer.

First, the details.

• 19 human studies were selected based on a literature search of English and Korean research.

And, the results.

• There was no credible evidence to support a relation between garlic intake and a reduced risk of gastric, breast, lung, or endometrial cancer.
• The abstract doesn’t define “credible research.”
• Very limited evidence supported a relation between garlic consumption and reduced risk of colon, prostate, esophageal, larynx, oral, ovary, or renal cell cancers.

The bottom line?
Many animal and laboratory studies suggest a relation between garlic and the risk of cancer risk. Several studies in humans also report that a higher intake of garlic is associated with a lower risk of cancer.

For example, last month researchers from Italy reported that based on their analysis of 454 cases of endometrial cancer and 908 controls, there was a moderate protective role of allium vegetables (garlic and onions) on the risk of endometrial cancer.

However, based on the body of evidence in humans, the FDA concluded, “There was no credible evidence to support a relation between garlic intake and a reduced risk of gastric, breast, lung, or endometrial cancer.” And “very limited evidence supported a relation between garlic consumption and reduced risk of colon, prostate, esophageal, larynx, oral, ovary, or renal cell cancers.”

12/13/08 21:32 JR