Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 1998 Nov; 1(6): 539-47.

Chemoprevention--a novel approach in dietetics.

Andlauer W, Stehle P, Fürst P.

Institute for Biological Chemistry & Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany. andlauer@uni-hohenheim.de

Chemoprotective potential of naturally occurring phytochemicals in food is a major area of scientific interest. Results acquired from epidemiologic studies suggest a reduced risk of degenerative diseases with high phytochemical consumption. Bioavailability of phytochemicals is a critical issue, though their significant absorption has been demonstrated. Phytochemicals possess an array of biochemical and pharmacological qualities like antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, cholesterol-lowering and antithrombotic activities.