**9.3.2 Fibers**

According to our study the intake of large amounts of fibers is associated with reduced risk for CRP formation, although conflicting data exist. In a large prospective study, approximately 40% reduction of CRC risk in persons with high fiber consumption was reported (Bingham et al., 2003). The protective action of diet fibers is based on their capabilities to accelerate bowel transit time and enlarged volume, which could diminish exposition time of mucosa to food carcinogens and dilute them. Food fibers bind, inactivate and carry out the luminal carcinogens. Food fibers also decrease fecal pH and inhibit bacterial degradation of different alimentary compounds (Kritchevsky, 1995).

#### **9.3.3 Flavonoids**

Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, which are found basically in fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, tea and wine (Middleton & Kandaswami, 1993). According to our data consumption of fruit and vegetables is protective factor for CRC and CRP, whereas regular consumption of tea is protective factor for CRP. Flavonoids inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (Wenzel et al., 2000).

#### **9.3.4 Selenium**

In supranutrtional doses selenium has protective effect against development of CRC, cancer of prostate and lung cancer (Schatzkin et al., 1996). Its mode of action is based on its antioxidant, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic properties (Zhu et al., 2000). Selenium is basic part of the selenium-dependent glutathione-reductase, which removes free radical and protects the integrity of cell membrane and DNA stability. Selenium also activates tumorsuppressor gene p53 (Seo et al., 2002). Our data in patients who use selenium as prophylaxis confirm its protective role.
