Nutrition, Vitamins and HPV

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the virus that causes pre cancers of the cervix (cervical dysplasia) and cervical cancer; however the majority of women infected with HPV will not develop cancers or pre cancers of the cervix. Once a woman is diagnosed with HPV it may be very troubling due to the fact that there is no medicinal treatment for the virus itself, only the side effects of the virus. Women are generally counseled that they must wait for their body to respond or rid itself of the virus and this can be, of course, quite anxiety producing. Risk factors for women to develop cervical dysplasia once infected with HPV include: smoking, having a suppressed immune system from agents such as HIV or chemotherapeutic medications, long term use of oral contraceptives, low levels of folate in red blood cells, exposure to DES, and some evidence supports that dietary deficiencies in vitamin A, beta-carotene, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C may lead to the increased risk to develop cervical dysplasia.

Foods

Some foods, such as fruits and vegetables, may be cancer protective. It has long been known that vegetarians may develop fewer cancers. It is unclear whether this protection against cancer stems from the lack of any red meat in the diet, or from micronutrients in the fruits and vegetables themselves. Recent attention has been paid to antioxidants, substances which protect the cells from DNA damage, and are found in the pigments of fruits and vegetables. A broad array of nutrients found in fruits, fruit juices, green, leafy vegetables and orange and red vegetables may be linked to a lower risk of developing cervical dysplasia. Some studies have demonstrated that a diet rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E can prevent cervical cancer.

The following nutritional tips may help to reduce the risks of developing cervical dysplasia, and are just part of good eating habits. A good diet should consist of:

  • Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower)
  • Antioxidant rich foods (blueberries, cherries and tomatoes)
  • Calcium rich foods (beans, almonds)
  • Use healthy cooking oils such as olive oil
  • Fish, lean meats
  • Water

Avoid

  • Refined foods (white bread, pasta, sugar)
  • Red meats (eat on a limited basis)
  • Trans fatty acids (processed foods, commercially prepared foods)
  • Alcohol, soda, cigarettes

Vitamins and supplements

Many health care professionals agree and recommend that a good quality multi-vitamin is a good nutritional habit, as adequate amounts of vitamin E are difficult to obtain from food sources. There is however some evidence that antioxidant vitamins can help in the treatment of cervical dysplasia.

How beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E might keep cervical dysplasia in check is still unknown. These nutrients may enhance the ability of your immune system to fight off attackers such as HPV. Others feel that the nutrients work by increasing the amount of vitamin A available to your cells.

Depending on supplements alone is not the best way to guard against cervical dysplasia, because the fresh fruits and vegetables rich in cervix-protecting vitamins, particularly beta-carotene, may contain other beneficial substances.

Recommended Nutrient Daily Amount for “cervical health”
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Beta-carotene up to 25,000 international units
Folic acid 400 micrograms, up to 800 micrograms for pregnant women
Vitamin C 500 milligrams
Vitamin E 100 international units

Indole-3-carbinol, also called I3C, is a natural compound found in vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. Recently, it has been studied recently for its potential anti-cancer properties. Animals that are fed a diet rich in I3C have a slower growth of their cancers. Laboratory studies show that it blocks estrogen activity by interfering with the estrogen receptor. This suggests that I3C might be useful in preventing or treating estrogen-sensitive cancers (such as breast and cervical cancers).

One clinical trial has been performed, which showed that indole-3-carbinol can cause regression of cervical dysplasia. Thirty women enrolled in the study and they were randomly assigned to take (1) a placebo pill, (2) 200 mg/day of I3C, or (3) 400 mg/day of I3C for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, almost half of the women taking I3C had complete regression of their CIN, compared to none of the women who took placebo. More clinical trials will help establish this. Concerning information about I3C exists however: A few experiments in animals have suggested that I3C might promote tumor growth in animals exposed to carcinogens, rather than fight it. This effect has not been confirmed in humans.

The use of green tea extract may stop cervical cancer from forming in patients with human papillomavirus and early cervical dysplasia. It is not yet known whether green tea extract is more effective than a placebo in preventing cervical cancer in patients with human papillomavirus and early cervical dysplasia.

Notes of caution

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. Products may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.

All supplements including vitamins, have the potential to interfere with mediations, may not be safe for all, and may not be safe in pregnancy or in patients being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The above discussion is not meant to serve as individual medical advice and the use of all vitamins and supplements should be reviewed with your health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.

Take home messages if you have HPV or cervical dysplasia

  • Follow a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables
  • Avoid processed foods
  • Use a good multivitamin which contains Vitamin E and Folic Acid
  • Consider supplements with active properties after review with your health care provider

Posted: February 5th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: cancer prevention, nutrition & diet | Tags: , , | 6 Comments »

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