Several reports are known about the effects of nutrition supplements in the improvement of quality of life of patients with tumor, however, the physiological background remains largely unknown. Table beet affects numerous biochemical reactions, enzymes and metabolic-synthesis.
Methods: Natural table beet product come from commercial service was given twice 10 g daily for 1 month for 24 patients (mean age 68+/-8 years) with hormone-resistant and metastatic prostate cancer treated with taxan chemotherapy, who report themselves first, mean 3,6+/-2,8 years ago with their complains. 18 men's data were amenable after treatment for evaluation. In addition to routine laboratory examination values of HbA1c, 9 cytokines and levels of 3 growth factors, the global parameters of redox-homeostasis, few elements of their metal-ions, Zn- and level of free protoporfirin, trans-metilating processes before and 1 month after treatment were determined.
Results: In most of the patients, favorable impact of beet was enforced and significantly high levels of Zn- and free protoporfirin decreased; furthermore, trans-metilating processes fastened.
Conclusions: According to results, it seems that moderate and permanent consumption of table beet product affects the life expectancy of patients favorably; however, due to the increasing values of EGF, medical control is necessary for patients with prostate cancer treated by chemotherapy.