Alimentos com ação fotoprotetora : possível prevenção no câncer de pele?

Skin cancer is the most common in Brazil and represents 30% of all malignant tumors registered in the country. Some bioactive compounds present foods such as carotenoids (beta carotene, lycopene), probiotics and omega-3 propolis extract, can help protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Material and method: To achieve the objective, a literature review was performed to evaluate a photoprotective action of bioactive compounds in the main health databases Pubmed, Lilacs and Scielo, with keywords: skin cancer, diet, photoprotection. , in Portuguese and English, considering the period from 2008 to 2019. Result: The use of beta-carotene in photoprotection was effective, with daily supplementation between 15 mg and 180 mg daily and protects the skin against sunburn. Included lycopene tomato extract provides protection against acute skin damage caused by long-term sun exposure. Lycopene and lutein supplementation protected the skin from damage to the skin caused by sun damage. A daily intake of polyphenol green tea drink for 12 weeks shows photoprotective effect. Note that non-toxic substances that consume diet such as polyphenols in fruits, vegetables, wine, tea and coffee, or make oral supplements available, may increase ATP production and inhibit ROS production or decrease PGE2 production, causing harm reduction. induced by sunlight in humans and protect the skin by various mechanisms used. Propolis extract was used for the preparation of food and beverages to improve or prevent cancer, and pomegranate fruit can exert anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative action and anti-tumor effects. Conclusion: According to the articles studied, the consumption of carotenoid bioactive compounds such as beta-carotene and lycopene, flavonoids, polyphenols, caffeine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals such as selenium, are effective in protecting the skin against sun pollution, improving or prognosis of skin cancer. However, further randomized clinical trials need to be performed to confirm their effects and to define doses used for the photoprotective effect. Keywords: skin cancer, diet, photoprotection.