Dysplasia is a condition in which there is an abnormal growth of cells, which may be precancerous or cancerous. Oral mucosal dysplasia is typically a precursor to oral cancer, and cervical dysplasia can be a precursor to cervical cancer. Nutrition has been associated with dysplasia, with studies showing that adequate nutrition and certain vitamins may help reduce the risk of developing dysplasia. While vitamins will not cure or definitely prevent dysplasia, they may reduce the risk by keeping the body healthy.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is another name for vitamin B2, a water-soluble vitamin. This vitamin is necessary for cell functioning, growth and energy, says the Mayo Clinic. For individuals with a varied and balanced diet, adequate amounts of riboflavin are generally found in the diet alone. Foods containing this vitamin include milk, dairy products, eggs, meats, enriched cereals and broccoli. A study published in the journal "Cancer Causes and Control," found that riboflavin helped reduce the risk of low-grade cervical dysplasia; there was a dose-response relationship, meaning the more riboflavin, the lower the risk.
Folate
Folate is the naturally occurring form of folic acid found in foods, while folic acid is synthetically made. Folate is a B vitamin and is often combined with other B vitamins. Dietary sources include fortified cereals, leafy vegetables, orange juice and organ meat. According to a study published in the journal "Gastroenterology," folate deficiency has been associated with dysplasia in humans, and a subsequent study performed on humans with ulcerative colitis found that folate supplements helped reduce the risk of neoplasia, or cancer, of which dysplasia is typically a precursor. Those who took the folate had a 64 percent lower incidence of colon neoplasia. The University of Maryland adds that low levels of folate have been associated with a higher risk of developing cervical dysplasia or cancerous lesions.
Beta-Carotene
Carotenoids are fat-soluble compounds that naturally occur in many fruits and vegetables, and beta-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A. Carotenes have antioxidant properties, which can help cells fight damage caused by free radicals. Beta-carotene has been associated with reductions in the incidence of developing oral mucosal dysplasia and cervical dysplasia, although more studies need to be performed. The journal "Cancer Detection and Prevention" published a study that found beta-carotene supplementation in individuals with oral mucosal dysplasia was associated with a better treatment response than those who did not have the supplementation. The University of Maryland Medical Center also reports that women who are deficient in beta-carotene may be more likely to develop cervical dysplasia or cancerous lesions, although there is not yet a definitive link.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Riboflavin
- Springerlink.com: "Cancer Causes and Control": Diet and premalignant lesions of the cervix : evidence of a protective role for folate, riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B12
- PubMed: "Gastroenterology": Effect of folate supplementation on the incidence of dysplasia and cancer in chronic ulcerative colitis. A case-control study.
- Mayo Clinic: Folate
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cervical dysplasia
- PubMed: "Cancer Detection and Prevention": Management of oral mucosal dysplasia with beta-carotene retinoic acid: a pilot cross-over study
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