Abstract

Role of diet and nutrition in deoxyribonucleic acid damage

Author(s): Faiza Rizvi, Sohail Hassan Khan, Fizza Naeem

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage is an elementary root of developmental and degenerative diseases. DNA damage is accelerated by oxidative stressors such as tobacco smoke, strenuous exercise, and a high-fat diet. There is significant interest in the functions of nutrients and DNA damage in carcinogenesis. Numerous surveillances provide support for a defensive association between high dietary intakes and/or supplemental doses of vitamins with cancer risk. There are nine key nutrients that may affect genomic integrity in various ways. When feed consumption increased, six nutrients out of nine (folate, vitamin B12, niacin, vitamin E, retinol, and calcium) are associated with a drop in DNAdamage, whereas other three nutrients (riboflavin, pantothenic acid and biotin) are associated with an increase in DNA damage to the same extent observed with occupational exposure to genotoxic and carcinogenic chemicals. Fruits and vegetables have been shown to decrease oxidative DNA damage in numerous studies.