DEAR DR. DONOHUE: It seems I cannot turn on the television without hearing some mention made of beta carotene. What exactly is it? What does it do? -- C.M.
ANSWER: The body can turn beta carotene into vitamin A if its supply of that vitamin is low. In its own right, beta carotene is an antioxidant. From the myriad of chemical processes body cells perform, noxious waste materials -- oxidants -- are produced. If oxidants are not neutralized, as they usually are, they cause destruction to cells and tissues.
For many years, the spotlight shone brightly on beta carotene. Beta carotene fans claimed it would stop artery hardening, bone loss, and cells from becoming cancerous. The spotlight has dimmed considerably. An excess appears as dangerous as a deficit. Smokers, for example, who supplement their diet with beta carotene have a greater risk of developing lung cancer.
People can get all the beta carotene they need from fruits and vegetables. If you take a daily multivitamin, check to see if it has beta carotene. If it has less than 15,000 IU, there is no problem.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: As I have gotten older, I have noticed that my testicles are bigger. I am 80. They don't hurt or cause me any problem, but I would like to know the significance of this. Is it something that happens with aging? -- A.S.
ANSWER: Testicle enlargement is not a normal consequence of aging. Whenever testicular enlargement occurs, everyone thinks of cancer. Testicular cancer, however, is more common in younger men -- men in their 30s. It can occur at any age, but it is less likely to occur in 80-year-old men.
A more likely explanation is a hydrocele or varicocele. A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in the space between the two-layered testicular coverings. It usually is harmless and can be left alone if it's not causing trouble. Varicoceles are dilated testicular blood vessels. They, too, can be ignored if not causing trouble.
I have stuck my neck out, and I don't like it there. You must see a doctor for a one-on-one examination.
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