An important question being raised by nutritionists today is whether available scientific data support a fundamental role for polyphenols in the prevention of pathologic conditions that represent a significant public health burden, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers and osteoporosis. The history of the relationship between beta-carotene and cancer illustrates the complexity of the research process leading to the demonstration of a causal relationship between nutritional factors and the prevention of disease. For beta-carotene, sufficient information needs to be collected from experimental, clinical and epidemiologic research before any specific public health recommendations can be supported. The same principles must be applied to recommendations regarding polyphenols. This papers discusses the history of the relationship between beta-carotene and cancers, with the intention of acquiring information that will aid future research on polyphenols. This paper was presented at the 1st International Conference on Polyphenols and Health, held in Vichy, France, on Nov. 18-21, 2004.
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