A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between vitamin A intake, serum vitamin A, and risk of liver cancer

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#beta-cryptoxanthin #carotenoids #humans #liver-neoplasms #observational-studies-as-topic

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between vitamin A intake, serum vitamin A, and risk of liver cancer

Leelakanok et al., 2018 | Nutr Health | Meta Analysis

Citation

Leelakanok Nattawut, D'Cunha Ronilda R, ... Schweizer Marin L. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between vitamin A intake, serum vitamin A, and risk of liver cancer. Nutr Health. 2018-Jun;24(2):121-131. doi:10.1177/0260106018777170

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous evidence supports that vitamin A decreases the risk of several types of cancer. However, the association between vitamin A and liver cancer is inconclusive. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the existing literature, discussing the association between vitamin A intake, serum vitamin A, and liver cancer in adult populations. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed by searching the EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and International Pharmaceutical Abstract databases using terms related to vitamin A (e.g. retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin) and hepatic cancer without applying any time restriction. A meta-analysis was performed using random effect models. RESULTS: The meta-analysis of five studies showed no association between serum retinol and liver cancer (pooled risk ratio = 1.90 (0.40-9.02); n = 5 studies, I2 = 92%). In addition, the systematic review of studies from 1955 to July 2017 found studies that indicated no association between the intake and serum level of α-carotene ( n = 2) and β-cryptoxanthin ( n = 1) and the risk of liver cancer. Further, the associations between retinol intake ( n = 3), β-carotene intake ( n = 3), or serum β-carotene ( n = 3) and liver cancer were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Current information on the association between vitamin A intake and liver cancer or serum vitamin A and liver cancer are limited. Most studies demonstrated no association between dietary vitamin A and the risk of liver cancer. However, the finding was based on a small number of studies with potential publication bias. Therefore, large observational studies should be conducted to confirm these associations.

Key Findings

The meta-analysis of five studies showed no association between serum retinol and liver cancer (pooled risk ratio = 1.90 (0.40-9.02); n = 5 studies, I2 = 92%). In addition, the systematic review of studies from 1955 to July 2017 found studies that indicated no association between the intake and serum level of α-carotene ( n = 2) and β-cryptoxanthin ( n = 1) and the risk of liver cancer. Further, the associations between retinol intake ( n = 3), β-carotene intake ( n = 3), or serum β-carotene ( n

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population adult populations
Sample Size 5
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Beta-Cryptoxanthin
  • Carotenoids
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin A
  • beta Carotene

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-a

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09