Lung cancer is one of the biggest killers in the Western world, according to the U.K. health information website, netdoctor. Tobacco smoke is the main cause and is more common in men than women. Unfortunately, treatment success rates for lung cancer are poor, but not smoking will help reduce the likelihood of developing this condition. Vitamin E is also sometimes used to help prevent lung cancer but evidence to prove its effectiveness is weak. Consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect cells from free radical damage and also plays a role in maintaining immune function. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that it might also play a role in the treatment of a number of medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cognitive disorders. It might also help to protect against cancer because it enhances immune function.
Scientific Evidence
Scientific evidence to show vitamin E can help prevent lung cancer is weak. An analysis of data from clinical studies, published in the November 2007 issue of the "Annals of Saudi Medicine" concludes that vitamin E supplementation is not associated with a reduction in total mortality, cancer incidence or cancer mortality. However, the results of an animal-based study, published in the December 2008 issue of "BMC Cancer" show that vitamin E might help prevent smoking-induced lung tumors. Clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Sources and Administraton
A number of foods contain vitamin E, including almonds, spinach, wheat germ oil, broccoli, spinach, mango and kiwi. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Since vitamin E is not a proven preventive treatment for lung cancer, guidance regarding a suitable dose to help prevent this condition is lacking. However, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to advise you.
Safety Considerations
The Office of Dietary Supplements states that high doses of supplemental vitamin E may inhibit blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Do not take more than 1,000 mg daily, the upper tolerable dose intake for adults, unless your doctor directs. Vitamin E might also interact with other medicines, including anticoagulants and cholesterol-lowering medicines. It might also reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so don't take supplemental vitamin E if you are undergoing treatment for lung cancer.
References
- Netdoctor: Lung Cancer
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- "Annals of Saudi Medicine"; The Role of Vitamin E in the Prevention of Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials; A. Alkhenizan, et al.; November 2007
- "BMC Cancer"; Antioxidant Intervention of Smoking-Induced Lung Tumor in Mice by Vitamin E and Quercetin; J. Yang, et al.; December 2008
Member Comments