Researchers while studying the dietary habits of over 100, 000 Americans said eating citrus fruits increases risk of melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous and common form of skin cancer.

The new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has raised concerns that have never been paid much attention. The study authors showed concerns over how much of citrus fruit one should consume, seeing the long-term health consequences.

Researchers during their study ended up findings that 1,840 study participants had developed melanoma. Participants, who ate citrus fruit or juice 1.6 times a day, were 36 % more likely to develop melanoma as compared to participants who consumed citrus fruits less than twice a week.

Study lead author Shaowei Wu, postdoctoral research fellow at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University and the co-authors of the study, said the link could be due to furocoumarins, which is found in citrus fruit.

Researchers said such substances are produced by plants as a defense mechanism. They said such substances are photoactive, which means that ultra-violet radiation increases their toxicity. These substances are held responsible for making skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Study researchers said age and other factors, such as, smoking and other lifestyle factors could also increase cancer risks.

Wu said people who consume grapefruit or other citrus fruits more often, including in drinks, should be careful and should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.