Brazil Nuts May Help Regulate Colorectal Cancer Biomarkers, New Study Suggests

A recent study has examined the effects of supplementation of selenium (Se) using Brazil nuts and green tea extract (GTE) capsules, alone and in combination, on targeted biomarkers. Thirty-two volunteers (>50 years of age) were randomised to one of three treatment groups: nine to Se (approximately 48 µg/d) as six Brazil nuts, eleven to four GTE capsules and twelve to a combination of Brazil nuts and GTE. Blood and rectal biopsies were obtained before and after each intervention. The effects of the combination of Brazil nuts and GTE did not differ from what would be expected from either agent alone. The study concluded that supplementation of Brazil nuts and/or GTE capsules regulates targeted biomarkers related to colorectal cancer oncogenesis. Hu, Y., McIntosh, G. H., Le Leu, R. K., Somashekar, R., Meng, X. Q., Gopalsamy, G., … & Young, G. P. (2016). Supplementation with Brazil nuts and green tea extract regulates targeted biomarkers related to colorectal cancer risk in humans. British Journal of Nutrition, 116(11), 1901-1911.