Levels of salicylic acid, an active component of Aspirin, are higher in vegetarians - Scientific update: a review of recent scientific papers related to vegetarianism - Brief Article

Regular use of aspirin by adults appears to reduce the risk of heart disease and colon cancer and may also reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. One component of aspirin that appears to have a great effect on health is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is also found in fruits and vegetables, especially in herbs and spices. Researchers in Scotland hypothesized that vegetarians would have higher levels of salicylic acid in their blood than non-vegetarians because vegetarians typically eat more fruits and vegetables. Blood was sampled from 37 vegetarians and 39 non-vegetarians, none of whom was taking aspirin or other drugs containing salicylic acid. Blood was also sampled from 14 people who took aspirin regularly. There was great variability in blood salicylic acid levels. Higher concentrations were found in the vegetarians compared to the non-vegetarians, with the highest levels seen in those taking aspirin. Some vegetarians had levels as high as the aspirin users. The salicylic acid levels in fruits and vegetables may help to explain why diets that are high in fruits and vegetables are associated with reduced risk of heart disease and colon cancer.

Blacklock CJ, Lawrence JR, Wiles D, et al. 2001. Salicylic acid in the serum of subjects not taking aspirin. Comparison of salicylic acid concentrations in the serum of vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and patients taking low dose aspirin. J Clin Pathol 54:553-555.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Vegetarian Resource Group
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group