The compound, called trans-vaccenic acid or TVA, has the ability to activate T cells in the body, helping the immune system fight germs and protect the body from disease, according to the New York Post.
TVA is found in the meat of animals such as cows, sheep and other mammals as well as dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter and yogurt.
A compound found in red meat and milk may help the body's immune cells fight cancerous tumors
The study also found that cancer patients with higher levels of TVA in their blood responded better to immunotherapy.
This discovery suggested to researchers that TVA could be used as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.
The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Chicago (USA), started with a database of about 700 known metabolites derived from foods. They then screened the metabolites for anti-cancer potential.
After selecting the top six compounds, the scientists evaluated their anti-cancer potential in human and mouse cells.
The results found that TVA was most effective in fighting tumor growth, according to the New York Post.
However, there is growing evidence of the adverse health effects of consuming too much red meat and dairy.
Researchers also found that feeding mice a diet rich in TVA significantly reduced tumor growth of melanoma and colon cancer cells, while enhancing the body's ability to invade and attack tumors.
The authors also analyzed blood samples from lymphoma patients undergoing immunotherapy. They found that patients with higher blood levels of TVA responded better to treatment than those with lower levels.
Finally, the study revealed that TVA can enhance the ability to kill leukemia cells in patients undergoing immunotherapy.
I find this really cool and fascinating, said study leader Dr. Jing Chen, a professor of medicine at the University of Chicago.
However, Mr Jing Chen also noted: There is growing evidence of the adverse health effects of excessive consumption of red meat and dairy, so we do not recommend increasing consumption of these products.
Instead, researchers are looking for a similar compound in plants that also has this powerful anti-tumor ability.
“Early data suggests that other fatty acids from plants may have similar effects, so we believe there is a high likelihood that plant nutrients can do this,” Professor Chen said, according to the New York Post.
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