A nutritious diet supports the overall health of lung cancer patients. However, some supplements may not be effective. Some studies in mice suggest that supplementing with vitamins C, E, and other antioxidants may increase the spread of cancer.
Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants, substances that help prevent oxidative stress in the body.oxidative stress
Eating foods rich in vitamins C and E can limit oxidative stress and lower your risk of certain health conditions, such as lung cancer. Taking vitamin C or E supplements does not seem to provide any benefits beyond those gained from eating foods rich in these nutrients.
Although more research is needed, taking antioxidant supplements may increase the spread of lung cancer after it has developed. These antioxidants may increase blood flow to tumors and aid tumor growth.
Read on to learn more about the research on vitamins C and E and lung cancer.
Eating foods rich in vitamin E and vitamin C appears to be more effective in preventing lung cancer than taking supplements of these antioxidants.
A 2022 study found that people who ate diets rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants had a lower risk of lung cancer. However, taking vitamin C or E supplements will not provide the same benefits. There was no significant association between vitamin C or E supplementation and lung cancer risk.
a
The same review also found that vitamin A supplements had little effect on overall lung cancer risk. However, vitamin A supplements were found to be effective among smokers and asbestos workers.
Although more research is needed, antioxidants may help cancer cells grow by stimulating blood flow within tumors. Therefore, antioxidant supplements may help cancer cells spread.
a
A previous study reported similar results in 2014, showing lung cancer
Another study in 2023 investigated antioxidant supplementation in mice with melanoma, a type of skin cancer.they discovered melanoma
Further research is needed to learn how vitamin E, vitamin C, or other antioxidant supplements affect the spread of cancer cells in humans. Impact can vary depending on factors such as:
- certain types of cancer
- certain antioxidants
- Antioxidant dosage
- Do you take antioxidants orally or by intravenous infusion?
of
NCI does not report specific findings regarding antioxidant supplementation in people being treated for lung cancer. However, they report a study on breast cancer patients that found that taking vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidant supplements during chemotherapy or radiation therapy may increase all-cause mortality.
This study showed that recurrence-free survival, or the amount of time without signs or symptoms of cancer after cancer treatment, is increased.
However, further research is needed to learn how vitamin C, vitamin E, or other antioxidant supplements affect the safety and effectiveness of certain cancer treatments in certain types of cancer. Is required.
Taking certain antioxidant supplements at certain doses can reduce the effectiveness of some cancer treatments while increasing the effectiveness of others.
You can talk to your doctor to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of taking vitamin C, vitamin E, or other antioxidant supplements. You should inform your doctor about any supplements you are already taking and check with your doctor before taking any new supplements.
According to a 2020 report from the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR), most people prefer to eat a nutritious diet rather than take supplements to prevent cancer. It turns out that you are more likely to benefit. Although certain groups of people may benefit from taking certain nutritional supplements, the WCRF/AICR report generally does not recommend high-dose supplements for cancer prevention. yeah.
Although more research is needed, foods may provide certain nutrients in forms and combinations that are easier for the body to absorb and utilize than supplements. Complex combinations of nutrients in foods can also provide synergistic effects not available with supplemental nutrients.
Your doctor can help you learn how to increase your dietary intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, or other antioxidants. We may also refer you to a registered dietitian for support.
Dietitians help people adjust their diet to meet their nutritional needs while managing lung cancer symptoms and treatment side effects that can affect appetite and digestion.
Eating a nutritious diet is important to support your overall health with lung cancer. Most people can get the nutrients they need through food alone without supplements.
However, doctors may prescribe multivitamins for people who have difficulty getting nutrients from their diet because of side effects of treatment. However, we usually only recommend this if you are experiencing a vitamin deficiency.
Taking vitamin C, E, or other antioxidant supplements does not appear to reduce the risk of lung cancer. There is also evidence to suggest that taking these supplements may increase the spread of lung cancer after it has developed.
If you have lung cancer, you can talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of taking vitamin supplements. People taking supplements should do so with caution until their possible effects are better understood. It is also recommended that smokers avoid taking vitamin A, as it can increase the risk of lung cancer and death.
You can also talk to your doctor or nutritionist about whether you need to increase your intake of antioxidants through your diet.
