Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells by damaging the DNA of infected cells. There are a number of side effects of radiation, including fatigue, skin burns, hair loss, decreased appetite and decreased blood counts. Even though radiation therapy destroys cancerous tissues, it can also damage healthy tissues. While this issue should be addressed by your oncologist, certain vitamins may encourage tissue repair.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid -- also referred to as vitamin C -- plays an important role in helping tissue to repair itself. Vitamin C plays a role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein used to form connective tissue as well as skin and blood vessels. Collagen also helps to form scar tissue -- including after surgeries or radiation therapy. Vitamin C also helps capillaries to form after trauma has occurred to the tissues of your body. Vitamin C also serves as an antioxidant that can help protect your tissues from free radical and environmental damage as they heal. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, tomatoes and broccoli.
Riboflavin
Vitamin B-2 -- or riboflavin -- is part of the vitamin-B complex. The vitamin-B complex is a group of eight vitamins responsible for helping to metabolize your food into fuel sources that can be used by your body. Riboflavin helps to increase the function of your immune system, which can help to promote healing, according to "The Vitamin Book." The antioxidant properties of vitamin B-2 also help to prevent free radical damage to healing tissues. Riboflavin also helps to increase the blood flow to the tissues of your body. Increased blood flow to damaged tissues can help to decrease inflammation, repair damaged tissues and prevent scarring. Sources of riboflavin include spinach, almonds, whole wheat, brown rice, red meat and poultry.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is another powerful antioxidant that can help aid in the healing of damaged tissue as the result of radiation therapy. The antioxidant properties of vitamin A can help prevent free radicals from binding to your healing tissues, according to "The Vitamin Book." As a result, you may experience a decreased healing time. Vitamin A can also help to increase the production of collagen. Increased collagen levels can help to repair damaged tissues and decrease your healing time. Food sources of vitamin A include cheese, eggs, cod, liver, carrots, pumpkins, spinach and kale.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a vitamin that is stored in the fat cells of your body. With antioxidant and ant-inflammatory properties, vitamin E can be beneficial in your recovery following radiation therapy. Vitamin E can help prevent free radical damage and moisturize your skin -- skin problems are also commonly associated with radiation therapy. Vitamin E can also help improve blood flow to your tissues, reduce the appearance of scarring, decrease inflammation and help damaged tissues to heal. Sources of vitamin E include spinach, wheat germ, whole grains, seeds, corn, olives and soybeans.
References
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold M. Silverman, Joseph Romano and Gary Elmer; 2003
- KidsHealth: Vitamins; Mary L. Gavin, M.D.; January 2011
- National Cancer Institute: Radiation Therapy for Cancer
