Esophageal cancer affects the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. It usually starts in the cells that line the esophagus, and according to MayoClinic.com, most cases in the United States affect the lower portion of the esophagus. This form of cancer occurs when cells that line the esophagus become irritated, for example, as a result of chewing tobacco, drinking hot fluids or smoking. Treatment for esophageal cancer may comprise of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some vitamins may aid treatment and give a health boost to cancer patients. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking a vitamin supplement to ensure it does not compromise your treatment.
Vitamin C
The results of a study published in a Brazillian medical journal in May 2009 showed that vitamin C may reduce the size and number of esophageal tumors. However, the study was carried out in an animal model. Studies are needed to confirm its effects in humans. Vitamin C is water-soluble antioxidant found in a wide variety of foods including peppers, Brussel sprouts, oranges and kiwi fruit. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a vitamin C supplement; taking more than 1 g daily may be harmful.
Vitamin D
Data published in the September 2009 issue of the "Annals of Oncology" demonstrates an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The study's lead author, L. Lipworth, notes that the effect of vitamin D was most pronounced in patients who drank or smoked heavily. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is made by the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet light. It is also found in a variety of foods including dairy products and fish. It is also available as a dietary supplement, however, high doses may cause kidney stones and vomiting, so talk to your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin D.
Vitamin E
Supplemental vitamin E may inhibit the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma, according to a study published in the March 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Cancer." However, the study was carried out in an animal model, not humans. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in a small number of foods including vegetable oils, spinach, kiwi fruit and tomatoes. Although is can also be taken as dietary supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking extra vitamin E, especially if you are actively undergoing cancer treatment, as it may reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment..
References
- MayoClinic.com: Esophageal Cancer
- PubMed: Role of the Vitamin C in Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Esophageal Cancer in Wistar Rat
- Food Standards Agency: Vitamin C
- PubMed: Dietary Vitamin D and Cancers of the Oral Cavity and Esophagus
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin D
- PubMed: Effect of Alpha-Tocopherol, N-Acetylcysteine and Omeprazole on Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Formation in a Rat Surgical Model
