ABSTRACT
Cancer of the oesophagus is the sixth most common cancer in the world; in developing countries it ranks fourth. Its epidemiological behavior, marked by large differences in incidence within small geographic confines and sharp changes in incidence over time, suggests a predominant role for external environmental factors. There is a considerable body of experimental and epidemiological evidence indicating that certain micronutrients have a great potential as protective agents for oesophageal cancer. Experimental studies have shown that severe riboflavin deficiency in the mouse and baboon causes atrophy and ulcerative lesions in the oesophageal mucosa. Concerning the epidemiological evidence, several studies indicate that subpopulations at high risk for oesophageal cancer in Iran, South Africa and China have low intake and/or low plasma levels of vitamins A, C, ß-carotene, riboflavin and other micronutrients. Case-control studies have also reported a history of lower intake of vitamins A, C and riboflavin among cases than among controls.
