Vitamins That Help Prevent Cancer

Vitamins are required for many of the natural processes of the human body, and are, in fact, essential to life. Because the body cannot synthesize vitamins on its own, they must be supplied through diet or by taking supplements. Regular intake of key nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, E and B-complex, may help protect against cancer when combined with a sensible diet, moderate exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamin A and the Carotenoids

• Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments found in yellow, red, orange and green vegetables and fruits. They are a potent group of antioxidants capable of quenching harmful free radicals and singlet oxygen molecules that damage the body. Studies have shown that carotenoids, such as lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene, may help protect against cancer by reducing oxidative damage to DNA. Some researchers also speculate that these nutrients can improve immune function by stimulating immune antibodies, lymphocytes and natural killer cells.

  Beta-carotene, the plant form of vitamin A, is converted in the liver into a form of vitamin A that the body can use. It is considered a safer form to take because the body only converts as much it needs, thereby reducing the risk of toxic levels building up.

  The best source of beta-carotene is fresh carrot juice. In supplement form, the recommended daily intake of vitamin A for cancer prevention is 10,000 IU (or less) daily.

B-Complex Vitamins

• The B-complex vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they are not stored in the body and must be supplied daily through diet or supplements. The B-complex vitamins-- thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyroxidine (B6), cyanocobalamin (B12), biotin, folate (folic acid), choline, inositol and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)--work best as a group.

  Vitamin B6 is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It is required for the synthesis of RNA and DNA, which contain the genetic instructions for normal cellular growth. B6 also plays an important role in cancer immunity, antibody production and enzyme reactions in the body.

Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids

• Vitamin C, known as the "master antioxidant," is required for more than 300 metabolic functions in the body. It protects against the harmful effects of radiation, pollution and infection, and enhances immunity, making it useful in the prevention of cancer. Many experts recommend a daily intake of 10 to 15 grams (10,000 to 15,000 milligrams) of vitamin C.

  Bioflavonoids (sometimes referred to as vitamin P) are essential for the proper absorption of vitamin C. Good sources of bioflavonoids include rutin, rose hips, the white part of an orange just below the peel, and horsetail.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of fats and the formation of free radicals. It protects other fat-soluble vitamins from oxidation and aids in the utilization of vitamin A. Low levels of vitamin E in the body have been linked to bowel cancer and breast cancer. The recommended daily intake amount of vitamin E for cancer prevention is between 600 and 1,000 IU.

Considerations

• Ideally, we should be able to obtain adequate levels of essential vitamins through diet. However, due to modern farming techniques, food processing methods, and the effects of cooking, our food is often stripped of vitamins by the time it reaches our plates. Supplements may offer a sensible solution to this problem.

  It is important to note, however, that most vitamins require the presence of other nutrients to be utilized properly by the body. For this reason, it may be best to obtain vitamins from a whole food supplement or a multiple vitamin-mineral formula, rather than taking supplement forms of individual nutrients.