Vitamins That Reduce Risk Of Skin & Other Cancers.
Vitamin D and skin cancer
The vitamin at issue here is vitamin D. It is needed by the human body for health, but there are very few natural foods which contain it and most people agree that at least moderate exposure to sunlight is the best way to make sure that levels of this vitamin are adequate. When sunlight hits the skin, a reaction occurs which activates vitamin D and allows it to be used easily by the body. Research has found that having adequate levels of vitamin D in the body not only reduces the risk of melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – but of other forms of cancer as well.
This does not mean it is ok to get out in the sun for hours and hours without protection or to use tanning beds daily. UV exposure has definitely been linked to several forms of skin cancer. However, complete avoidance of any kind of sunlight is not beneficial either. What is best appears to be moderate exposure on a daily basis to keep levels of vitamin D adequate and to take advantage of the protection this vitamin can give when it comes to preventing skin cancer.
Vitamin B3 and skin cancer
Recent research coming out of Australia has found that vitamin B3 can also help to reduce the risk of skin cancer, especially for those who are most prone to it. In this latest study, 386 patients with a history of either basal or squamous cell carcinoma (common but less serious forms of skin cancer) were given 1000mg of vitamin B3 or a placebo daily. At the end of the study, those who had taken the B3 were found to have a 23 percent reduced risk of re-developing cancer. The chances of developing pre-cancerous lesions were also reduced by 20 percent.
Thus it appears that when it comes to skin cancer, certain vitamins can play an important role in preventing the recurrence of skin cancer or even its onset. And it also appears that at least some sunlight exposure is beneficial for this, though it is still advisable to avoid the use of tanning beds or exposure during the middle part of the day when the UV rays are highest.
Antioxidants and cancer prevention
All cells in the body are exposed to oxidants, which are substances that can damage cells to cause cancer and other diseases. Cigarette smoke and a gas called ozone are examples of oxidants. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help protect your body against damage from these substances are called antioxidants. It is possible that adding antioxidants to your diet can lower the risk of disease, including cancer.
Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are antioxidants include:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A and carotenoids. These are substances that give fruits and vegetables an orange or yellow color, such as beta-carotene and lycopene; carotenoids allow the body to make vitamin A.
- Vitamin C
- Selenium
- Other plant chemicals, such as flavonoids, which are found in berries, broccoli, tea, and dark chocolate
Although multiple laboratory studies have shown antioxidants may slow or help prevent cancer, it is not yet clear if they actually do in people.
Key Messages:
Vitamins and minerals are essential to your health.
Although some vitamins and minerals help counteract the effect of cell damage, this doesn’t mean that they prevent cancer.Vitamin and mineral supplements are more likely to reduce cancer risk in people who do not have enough of a certain nutrient and therefore require more to correct their deficiency. People who eat well and get enough nutrients may not benefit and could be harmed by extra supplementation.
Talk with your doctor or another member of the health care team before supplementing with vitamins or minerals to prevent cancer.
Sources:
Dr. Sofiya
