How Vitamin C Can Help with Oral Cancer
Dietary Vitamin C May Help Prevent Oral Cancer
Cancer is generally defined as the uncontrolled growth of cells that causes damage and invades surrounding tissue. Oral cancer specifically includes cancer cells found in the tongue, lips, cheeks, soft or hard palate, pharynx, sinuses, or floor of the mouth. Some of the symptoms of oral cancer include thickening or swelling of the gums, lips, or other areas of the mouth, unexplained bleeding in the mouth, persistent sores on the neck, face, or mouth, and other specific symptoms.
Research performed by scientists in Massachusetts has shown males who regularly consume foods rich in vitamin C as opposed to taking vitamin C supplements may be helping themselves reduce their risk of oral pre-cancer. Data was provided by over 42,000 males, and among this information was the manifestation of oral pre-malignant lesions, overall diet, and the use of dietary supplements. This data was collected from the target group in two and four year increments between the mid-1980s and early 2000s and was used to draw a link between vitamin C and oral cancer.
Males in the study with the highest levels of vitamin C intake displayed a 50 percent lower risk of developing oral pre-cancer when compared to those in the study with the lowest levels of vitamin C intake. In addition to these findings, it was also discovered that males who were taking vitamin C supplements did not show a reduced risk of developing oral pre-cancer. Researchers involved in the study have hypothesized some component found in vitamin C rich foods or an interaction between components in these foods may offer some protection from oral pre-cancer.
In addition to looking at vitamin C intake, researchers also collected data on the males’ vitamin A, vitamin E, and carotenoids intake – this study found no positive correlation between lycopene, beta-carotene, or lutein/zeaxanthin and a lowered risk of oral pre-cancer. What it did find is males who smoked and took beta-carotene and/or vitamin E supplements were at a higher risk for developing oral pre-cancer - researchers are interested in looking into the relationship between smoking and vitamin E.
Each year in the US almost 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer or cancer of the oropharynx. The outcome of this study will hopefully encourage individuals to consume more vitamin C rich foods, such as oranges, leafy greens broccoli, citrus fruits, berries, and others as well as take proper care of their mouth and teeth to help protect them from the effects of oral pre-cancer.
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