The esophagus is the muscular tube in which food travels from your pharynx down into the stomach. Various ailments can affect the esophagus, including reflux and cancer. Some vitamins can help promote esophageal health, but before using any vitamins for this reason, talk with your health care provider to see if it is safe and appropriate for your specific condition.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also called retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means your body is able to store it in fatty tissues. This vitamin aids in healthy cell reproduction and vision, and is important for healthy development of an embryo and fetus. It also helps keep mucous membranes and skin healthy, boosts immune system functioning and aids in wound healing, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin A is known as an antioxidant, a substance that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. According to the University of Maryland, beta-carotene and retinol from your diet may help reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Talk to your doctor about whether a vitamin A supplement would be safe or appropriate for you.
Vitamin C
The water-soluble vitamin C is not able to be stored in the body, and you need to consume it through food or supplements. Along with boosting the immune system, this antioxidant can help promote esophageal health. According to a 2010 study in "Diseases of the Esophagus," by M. Babar, et al., vitamin C supplementation may help reduce inflammation in the esophagus in patients who have Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can progress to esophageal cancer in some people. This vitamin may also increase chemosensitivity in patients who are receiving cisplatin and 5-FU for the treatment of esophageal cancer. A 2005 study published in the "Journal of Chemotherapy" by M.M. Abdel-Latif, et al., found that patients who added vitamin C to their routine while having this chemotherapy had more anticancer cell activity than when the drugs were used alone.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be synthesized by the human body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, but it can also be found in foods or supplements. Although the main role of this vitamin is to help the body better absorb calcium, it may also benefit the esophagus. According to the "Annals of Oncology," a 2009 study by L. Lipworth, et al. found that intake of vitamin D was inversely related to squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. This means that the higher the intake of vitamin D, the lower the risk of developing this kind of cancer. More research needs to be done, however.
Warnings
If you have esophageal disease or cancer, do not take any vitamins without first talking with your health care provider. Some vitamins can interfere with cancer treatments or interact with various medications. You should not use vitamins as a substitute for any treatments that your doctor prescribes.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin A (Retinol); Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- PubMed.gov; "Diseases of the Esophagus"; Pilot Translational Study of Dietary Vitamin C Supplementation in Barrett's Esophagus; M. Babar, et al.; 2010
- "Journal of Chemotherapy"; Vitamin C Enhances Chemosensitization of Esophageal Cancer Cells In Vitro; M.M. Abdel-Latif, et al.; 2005
- "Annals of Oncology"; Dietary Vitamin D and Cancers of the Oral Cavity and Esophagus; 2009
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