10 Best Supplements to Fight Cancer: Evidence Based Literature Review (2024)
The quest for cancer prevention and treatment has been shrouded in ambiguity
when it comes to the world of diet, lifestyle and dietary supplements. The
bewildering array of options leaves us questioning their efficacy, for without
robust scientific evidence, their true potential remains enigmatic.
Can foods and diet influence your risk of getting cancer? What types
of foods reduce your risk and types that might increase your risk?
What about vitamin and mineral supplements? Can supplements reduce
your cancer risk or do they actually increase your cancer risk?
The term anti-cancer supplements can be a little misleading. Some supplements may help reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer or support the body during cancer treatment.
This article compiles over 200 references and supporting studies
related to cancer and the realm of supplements, diet and lifestyle.
It's important to note that dietary supplements are not regulated by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that
medications are, and the safety and effectiveness of these products
may not be fully established.
Anyone considering taking vitamins and supplements during cancer treatment should seek advice from their doctor first, particularly as some can interact with other medications or cause side effects.
In this article, we discuss some of the dietary supplements that may
help prevent cancer or assist in recovery during cancer treatment. We
also cover some of the studies related to supplements and cancer
treatment. New studies are being added almost every day.
Note: When interpreting scientific studies, it's important to bear
in mind the hierarchy of evidence. Cell culture findings are
considered less impactful than results from studies conducted on
mice. Similarly, mouse-based conclusions are outweighed by findings
from human studies. Case studies and preliminary results from small
human trials hold less weight than outcomes from randomized
controlled trials (RCTs) and more extensive, long-term human
trials.
Contents:
- Vitamin D3 and K2
- Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
- Vitamin C
- Turmeric (Curcumin)
- Magnesium
- Green tea (EGCG)
- Quercetin
- Melatonin
- Garlic (Allicin)
- Molecular Hydrogen
While many vitamins and minerals can benefit your general health,
there’s a huge market of unregulated supplements that may provide
no added benefit to your health. Certain supplements even have the
potential to negatively impact cancer treatments. This is because
some supplements can counteract medications or medical therapies.
If you’re thinking about supplementing your diet with anti-cancer
vitamins, always talk to your doctor first.
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| Credit: FLCCC Alliance |
We have organised and summarised relevant and salient research
information in one place. Below, we look at the most published and
studied categories.
Here is the list (listed in order of importance):
1. Vitamin D3 and K2
Is vitamin D the most powerful anti cancer supplement? Vitamin D can absorb calcium and help the immune, muscle, and
nervous systems function properly. There are more than 12,000
search results on vitamin D and cancer on PubMed.
In another 2023 meta-analysis, 116 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were analysed. The meta-analysis concluded that
vitamin D reduces lung cancer mortality.
The first randomized-controlled trial (DO-HEALTH) trial to
investigate the combination of three complementary
treatments for the prevention of cancer and suggest that the
combination of daily vitamin D3, supplemental marine
omega-3s, and a simple home exercise program may be
effective in the prevention of invasive cancer among
generally healthy and active adults aged 70 and older.
Findings from a 3 year Randomized Controlled Trial with
more than 2,000 participants observed a 61% reduction in
the risk of invasive cancer among patients who completed a
home exercise program and took vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids daily. These results, from
the DO-HEALTH trial, were published in Frontiers in Aging 2022.
A number of epidemiologic studies have also investigated
whether people with higher vitamin D intakes or higher blood
levels of vitamin D have lower risks of specific cancers.
The results of these studies have been inconsistent,
possibly because of the challenges in carrying out such
studies. For example, dietary studies do not account for
vitamin D made in the skin from sunlight exposure, and the
level of vitamin D measured in the blood at a single point
in time (as in most studies) may not reflect a person’s true
vitamin D status. Also, it is possible that people with
higher vitamin D intakes or blood levels are more likely to
have other healthy behaviors. It may be one of these other
behaviors, rather than vitamin D intake, that influences
cancer risk.
The cancers for which the most human data are available are colorectal, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown that higher intake or blood levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (R). In contrast, the Women’s Health Initiative randomized trial found that healthy women who took vitamin D and calcium supplements for an average of 7 years did not have a reduced incidence of colorectal cancer (NEJM 2006). Some scientists have pointed out that the relatively low level of vitamin D supplementation (10 μg, or 400 IU, once a day), the ability of participants to take additional vitamin D on their own, and the short duration of participant follow-up in this trial might explain why no reduction in colorectal cancer risk was found.
The cancers for which the most human data are available are colorectal, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown that higher intake or blood levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (R). In contrast, the Women’s Health Initiative randomized trial found that healthy women who took vitamin D and calcium supplements for an average of 7 years did not have a reduced incidence of colorectal cancer (NEJM 2006). Some scientists have pointed out that the relatively low level of vitamin D supplementation (10 μg, or 400 IU, once a day), the ability of participants to take additional vitamin D on their own, and the short duration of participant follow-up in this trial might explain why no reduction in colorectal cancer risk was found.
According to BreastCancer.org, research suggests that certain cancers such as breast cancer,
can have a higher risk of occurring when the
body has low levels of vitamin D.
Studies also show a link between vitamin D
deficiency and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and
cancer (Sizar, 2020).
Many experts now recommend 800 to 1,000 IU a day, a goal
that's nearly impossible to attain without taking a
supplement.
In 2016, a landmark study published in PLOS ONE found that women over
55 with blood concentrations of vitamin D higher
than 40 ng/ml, had a 67% lower risk of cancer
compared women with levels lower than 20
ng/ml.
Although the role of vitamin D in cancer
prevention remains an area of research interest
and debate, avoiding deficient levels is
recommended. (American Cancer Society 2020)
Vitamin D can also be absorbed through sunlight,
or with the following diet:
- fatty fish
- egg yolks
- fortified milk
The Optimal Vitamin D Level for Cancer Prevention
Research has shown that once you reach a minimum serum vitamin D level of 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L), your risk for cancer diminishes by a whopping 67%, compared to having a level of 20 ng/mL or less.
Research has shown that once you reach a minimum serum vitamin D level of 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L), your risk for cancer diminishes by a whopping 67%, compared to having a level of 20 ng/mL or less.
Make sure to take 500 mg to 1000 mg of magnesium and 150
mcg of vitamin K2, (not K1) which are important
cofactors for optimizing vitamin D function. And,
remember the only way you know what your vitamin D level
is, is to test it. Vitamin D level should be in a
therapeutic range of 50 to 70 ng/ml for treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis. Most people are shocked how low
their level is when they finally get around to testing
it.
You'll also want to ensure you're following an overall
healthy lifestyle to reduce your cancer risk as much as
possible.
Recommendation: Target a Vitamin D level of 50-70
ng/mL.
Caution: The dosage for vitamin D
in prevention (1,000 to 2,000 IU
daily) is very much different from the high
dose treatment dosage i.e. 20,000 to
50,000 IU daily. Always consult your doctor
first!
2. Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
PubMed has indexed more than 3,000 research studies
on Omega-3 and cancer. Most people use fish oil supplements to
enhance the amount of omega-3’s in their
diet.
Findings from a 3 year Randomized Controlled Trial with more than
2,000 participants observed a 61% reduction in the risk of invasive
cancer among patients who completed a home exercise program and took
vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids daily.
These results, from the DO-HEALTH trial (ClinicalTrials.gov
identifier NCT01745263), were published in Frontiers in Aging 2022.
The research was presented April 4, 2022 at the annual Experimental Biology meeting in Philadelphia. The animal model showed that omega-3 fatty acids helped promote the cancer-fighting activities of immunotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy.
Many governments recommend eating omega-3 containing fatty fish, two
times per week. But that is often not enough. Ideally, people would
need to eat fatty fish four times per week, while also supplementing
with omega-3 fatty acids, at least 1,000 mg of pure omega-3 (DHA and
EPA) per day.
However, fish oil was shown in one study on mice (2015) to possibly reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy, and for
that reason ground flax seed is a worthy alternative.
Make sure you buy high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, meaning that the omega-3 fatty acids are pure and have not oxidized much (having low “TOTOX” value).
TOTOX value stands for total oxidation value. The omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish oil are highly sensitive to oxidation. This means that they are rapidly affected by contact with oxygen. Oxidised fatty acids are not beneficial to our health. For this reason, a good fish oil supplement has a low TOTOX value. The maximum TOTOX value is set at 26 by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA omega-3.
3. Vitamin C
PubMed has indexed more than 3,000 research studies on vitamin C and cancer and more than 5,000 studies on vitamin E and cancer. United States Preventive Services Task Force has
recommended the use of Vitamin C and E supplementation for cancer
prevention (R).
Prevention
2022 - An umbrella review* (Xu 2022) to assess the existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses
for the association between vitamin C intake and multiple health
outcomes; showed that vitamin C intake was associated with reduced
risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD),
oesophageal cancer, gastric cancer, cervical cancer and lung
cancer with an increment of 50–100 mg per day.
Beneficial associations were also identified for respiratory,
neurological, ophthalmologic, musculoskeletal, renal and dental
outcomes. A total of 76 meta-analyses (51 papers) of randomised
controlled trials and observational studies with 63 unique health
outcomes were identified. Harmful associations were found for
breast cancer and kidney stones for vitamin C supplement
intake.
*Umbrella review: An umbrella review, or a review of reviews, is a systematic review that only considers other systematic reviews as an eligible study type for inclusion.
2022 - Obese women who took vitamin C and B6 at amounts that
exceeded the recommended daily intake levels were associated
with a lower risk of breast cancer, according to a five-year
long South Korean cohort study. 40,432 women without a history of cancer at baseline were
included in this study.
A 2017 meta-analysis of 11 studies concluded that patients with lower
concentrations of serum vitamin E (the vitamin E level in your
blood) had a higher risk for colorectal cancer.
2023 - A systematic review to evaluate the existing literature on the safety and
efficacy of vitamin C, E and selenium supplementation in oncology
patients. Findings were generally favorable among the studies, and
adverse effects of supplementation were limited. The review
concluded that antioxidant supplements may provide benefits in
reducing incidence or severity of treatment-induced side effects
with limited risk for adverse effects.
Treatment
2022 - A systematic review on the effect of vitamins C and E on cancer survival showed
improvement of survival and progression rates of cancers by
vitamins C and E. However, the authors concluded that more
high quality trials with large sample sizes are required to
confirm.
Vitamin C is known as an antioxidant, but at high concentrations,
vitamin C can kill cancer cells through a pro-oxidant
property (Transl Oncol. 2020). This study has also demonstrated that vitamin C treatment
with magnesium supplementation provided more effective anticancer
therapy than vitamin C treatment alone.
To understand the mechanism of AA's anticancer activity, many
research groups have treated colon, prostate, leukemia, lymphoma,
brain, and stomach cancer cells and chemically or genetically
transformed cancer cells with AA and showed cancer growth
inhibition and even cancer cell death through hydrogen
peroxide–mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation [R]. In most cases, the pharmacological concentration of vitamin C
required for anticancer effects (EC50 value of 1–10 mM) could only
be achieved by intravenous administration. Thus, to
apply vitamin C as an anticancer therapy, a high
intracellular concentration in cancer cells is critically
important (R).
According to the Mayo Clinic (2023):
There's still no evidence that vitamin C alone can cure cancer, but researchers are studying whether it might boost the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or reduce treatment side effects.
There are still no large, controlled clinical trials that have shown a substantial effect of vitamin C on cancer, but some preliminary studies do suggest there may be a benefit to combining standard treatments with high-dose IV vitamin C."
According to the concluding remarks from a 2020 article from
the National Cancer Institute:
4. Turmeric (Curcumin)
Curcumin is one of the nutrients with the most evidence-based
literature supporting its use against cancer. There are more than
7,000 search results on curcumin and cancer on PubMed and more than 50 clinical trials with curcumin, most of which are still ongoing. The spice
turmeric can be extremely helpful when it comes to fighting
cancer.
Interestingly, curcumin appears to be universally useful for just
about every type of cancer (Arslan 2022), which is really odd since cancer consists of a wide variety of
different molecular pathologies.
In a 2016 study, a team of scientists at the University of Pittsburgh and at
Pondicherry University, India, discovered the bioactive
ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, can both prevent and cure
bowel cancers. The team found the compound triggered cancer cell
death by increasing a level of protein labeled GADD45a. Lead
author Rajasekaran Baskaran, Ph.D., who has more than 20 years
of experience in cancer research, commented:
"Studies on the effect of curcumin on cancer and normal cells will be useful for the ongoing preclinical and clinical investigations on this potential chemo-preventive agent."
Studies show that the curcumin in turmeric may kill cancer cells and
slow tumor growth. This preclinical research has taken curcumin
from the lab to the clinic.
The benefits of curcumin may include:
- blocking cancer cells from multiplying
- killing colon, breast, prostate, and melanoma cancer cells
- slowing tumor growth
A review paper published in 2022, analysed 21 human studies. Sixteen
out of 21 clinical trials were associated with the
effectiveness of curcumin or turmeric on various types of
cancer, and the other five clinical trials were related to
the evaluation of the efficacy of curcumin or turmeric in
relieving the side effects of cancer chemotherapy and
radiotherapy. The emerging data from the clinical trials
confirm that curcumin has the potential for cancer
prevention and intervention.
Both curcuminoids and related turmeric products have been
sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as
safe.
Why Whole Turmeric Is Ineffective
Unfortunately, while there's some curcumin in whole turmeric, there's not enough in the regular spice to achieve clinically relevant results. The turmeric root itself contains only about 3% curcumin concentration. Another major limitation of curcumin as a therapeutic agent is that it is poorly absorbed. When taken in its raw form, you're only absorbing about 1% of the available curcumin.
Unfortunately, while there's some curcumin in whole turmeric, there's not enough in the regular spice to achieve clinically relevant results. The turmeric root itself contains only about 3% curcumin concentration. Another major limitation of curcumin as a therapeutic agent is that it is poorly absorbed. When taken in its raw form, you're only absorbing about 1% of the available curcumin.
Because it's not easily absorbed through your gastrointestinal
tract, it's more effective to use a high-quality bioavailable
curcumin extract, according to a 2013 study. A typical anticancer dose is just under 1 teaspoon of
curcumin extract three or four times daily.
However, in the case of colon cancer, this poor absorption
into the bloodstream may be an advantage. As there is poor
absorption, higher levels of curcumin stay in the intestinal
tract for longer periods of time, having an effect on
gastrointestinal cancers.
In one study, participants took a 1,080 milligram (mg) dose per day of
curcumin for 10 to 30 days between their initial biopsy and
surgical removal. The patients taking the supplement
experienced a reduction in blood levels of inflammatory agent,
improvement in their body weight and an increased number of
dying tumor cells.
"Studies on the effect of curcumin on cancer and normal cells will be useful for the ongoing preclinical and clinical investigations on this potential chemo-preventive agent."
New Curcumin Forms
Convenience and efficiency has driven many of the changes in
the forms of curcumin in later years. Because it's a
fat-loving or lipophilic molecule, many newer preparations now
include some sort of oil or fat, which improves its
absorbability and bioavailability. Such preparations typically
have seven to eight times higher absorption than the raw,
unprocessed 95% concentration of dry powder. There are also
newer sustained release preparations.
Turmeric and black pepper each have health benefits, due to
the compounds curcumin and piperine. As piperine enhances
curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2,000%, combining the
spices magnifies their effects. (Healthline)
5. Magnesium and Cancer
PubMed has indexed more than 5,000 research
studies on magnesium and cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
An analysis of the prospective, Swedish Mammography Cohort (JAMA 2005), evaluated 61,433 women aged 40 to 75 without a history of cancer for a mean follow-up of 14.8 years. The highest quintile of magnesium intake was associated with a significantly lower risk of CRC compared with the lowest quintile. This benefit was observed for both colon and rectal cancers.
A case-control study evaluated 2204 subjects from the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study (2007), which demonstrated that increasing total magnesium intake was significantly associated with decreasing risk of CR.. The highest tertile of dietary magnesium intake (>298 mg/day) was significantly associated with reduced risk of CRC in an age-adjusted model.
A study of 140,601 postmenopausal women from the Women’s Health Initiative (2015) with an mean follow-up of 13 years demonstrated a significant reduction in CRC risk with the highest quintile of total magnesium intake compared with the lowest quintile of magnesium intake. The benefit was driven by colon cancer, with a trend for rectal cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer
A study of 66,806 subjects aged 50 to 76 at baseline from the Vitamins and Lifestyle cohort (Nature 2015) evaluated magnesium intake and the incidence of pancreatic cancer during a mean follow-up of 6.8 years. Subjects with magnesium intake below the recommended dietary allowance were more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, particularly in those whose intake was less than 75% of the recommended dietary allowance. In this study, a 100 mg/day decrease in magnesium intake resulted in a 24% increase in risk of pancreatic cancer.
6. Melatonin
PubMed has indexed more than 3,300 research studies
on melatonin and cancer.
The Mediterranean Diet (MD) dietary pattern is also rich
in antioxidants, such as melatonin. A systematic review
published in Antioxidants (Elena 2023) showed high melatonin contents in MD-related foods,
such as tomatoes, olive oil, red wine, beer, nuts, and
vegetables. The consumption of specific MD foods increases
melatonin levels and improves the antioxidant status in
plasma.
Melatonin is one of the most important antioxidant
molecules. In the human body — aside from having direct
antioxidant effects — it also stimulates the synthesis
of glutathione and other important antioxidants like
superoxide dismutase and catalase.
Many people are not aware that only 5% of your body’s
melatonin — which is also a potent anticancer agent — is
produced in your pineal gland. The other 95% is produced
inside your mitochondria — provided you get sufficient
near infrared exposure which is typically from sun on
your bare skin. This is why vitamin D is more than
likely a biomarker for sun exposure, which is
intricately involved in melatonin production. (R)
In addition, melatonin increases the expression of the
p53 protein, induces its phosphorylation, inhibiting
cell proliferation, promotes apoptosis, reduces the
levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor and
endothelin-1, fundamental for tumor growth and
metastasis formation, reduces inflammatory processes and
cell migration (Molecules 2018).
Melatonin - Treatment
2020 - A case series of 14 advanced cancer patients (Trends in Oncology 2020), treated with high dose (1,000 mg/day) of melatonin;
achieved a disease control of 54% of the patients:
"Moreover, this preliminary study may also suggest
that high dose melatonin has no toxicity in cancer
patients with poor clinical status, as well as in
healthy subjects."
2005 - A systematic review of 10 randomized
controlled trials (J Pineal Res 2005):
7. Green Tea (EGCG)
PubMed has indexed more than 2,000 research studies
on EGCG and cancer.
The Minnesota Green Tea Trial (MGTT. 2015) is the largest and longest
double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized
intervention study that specifically evaluated the
effects of oral GTE (green tea extract) containing
defined quantities of EGCG on established biomarkers
of breast cancer risk.
They randomized and stratified 1075 healthy
postmenopausal women at high risk of breast cancer
according to their breast tissue density and
catechol-O-methyltransferase genotypes and divided
them into two groups: 537 placebo and 538 green
tea groups. Green tea group participants took 4
capsules that contained 843 mg EGCG, whereas the
placebo group took capsules without green tea
extracts.
Researchers measured changes in percent
mammographic density, circulating endogenous sex
hormones, and proteins of the insulin-like growth
factor axis. Their results showed
that supplementation with green tea extract
could modify and reduce mammographic density (MD)
and protect against breast cancer, even though it
was only significant in younger women (50–55
years) and had no effect in older women (R), an age-dependent effect similar to those
of tamoxifen.
However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) state that studies of green tea and cancer in humans have so far produced inconsistent results.
Several epidemiological studies (2011) have reported that the
consumption of green tea may decrease cancer
risk. Studies have also confirmed numerous
health benefits of green tea including prevention of
cancer (R, R) and cardiovascular disease, as well as
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiarthritic,
antibacterial, and antiviral effects. (R, R, R, R).
If you have cancer, consider drinking up to 3 cups of
green tea per day to experience the benefits. Green
tea pills are also available, but may be too
concentrated.
8. Quercetin
PubMed has indexed more than 4,000 research studies
on quercetin and cancer.
2022 - A paper published in August 2022 in Nutrition Research analyzed the pro-apoptotic effect that quercetin has on aging cells. The paper reviewed preclinical and early phase data using quercetin as a senolytic agent and found the data showed it was effective in “preventing or alleviating cancer formation.”
The authors reviewed the importance of cellular aging in the development of cancer cells and the effect that quercetin may have on the suppression of cancer cell proliferation.
Cellular senescence is a dynamic and multi-step process that is associated with alterations in metabolic activity and gene expression. This can compromise tissue regeneration and contribute to aging. On the other hand, by removing senescent cells, age-related dysfunction can be attenuated and potentially extend the lifespan.
2020 - Another paper (2020) identified some of the
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiproliferative
properties quercetin has that enhances breast cancer
treatment, while another (2020) evaluated its effect on the treatment
of ovarian cancer, which is a serious cancer growth and
threat to women's health.
2019 - Research also has demonstrated that quercetin can promote
the loss of cell viability and autophagy through several
pathways, including those involving mitochondrial
function and glucose metabolism.
This study published in 2017 in Oncology Reports took things a step further, finding that quercetin induced cancer cell death in nine types of cancer, including prostate cancer, colon cancer, and breast caner.
This study published in 2017 in Oncology Reports took things a step further, finding that quercetin induced cancer cell death in nine types of cancer, including prostate cancer, colon cancer, and breast caner.
Quercetin affects endothelial (thin membrane lining
heart and blood vessels) cell proliferation, migration,
and angiogenesis. As an anti-angiogenic compound, it has
been shown to have a targeted effect on tumor
angiogenesis in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.
It has also been demonstrated in animal experiments that
quercetin can reduce angiogenesis.
In another 2017 study, researchers gave quercetin to mice with tumors. Researchers found that mice in the quercetin-treated group showed delayed tumor growth, no significant changes in daily behavior, significantly better survival ratings, and increased rates of cell death.
In another 2017 study, researchers gave quercetin to mice with tumors. Researchers found that mice in the quercetin-treated group showed delayed tumor growth, no significant changes in daily behavior, significantly better survival ratings, and increased rates of cell death.
Quercetin may also target bladder cancer. In 2016, researchers published a landmark study in the
American Journal of Cancer Research. Researchers
analyzed quercetin’s effect on cancer cells in a test
tube. They concluded, “We are the first to show that
quercetin displays potent inhibition on bladder cancer
cells via activation of AMPK pathway.”
According to Mount Sinai, quercetin should be used with caution as it may
interact with certain antibiotics by reducing the
effectiveness of the drug. It may also enhance the
effect of some blood thinners, which can increase your
risk of bleeding. In addition to these, it may interact
with corticosteroids, digoxin, cyclosporine and
fluoroquinolones.
9. Garlic (Allicin) and Onion
PubMed has indexed more than 1,200 research studies
on garlic and cancer. Garlic and onions belong to the Allium genus of
plants.
2023 - A randomized controlled trial (RCT) on
garlic and gastric cancer (GC), published in January 2023, found a significant reduction in the risk of
developing GC with increasing dietary intake of
allium vegetables, particularly garlic
vegetables.
2020 - A meta-analysis of 11 studies,
published in January 2020, did find evidence that garlic could
reduce the risk of ColoRectal
Cancer.
Another study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical
Oncology (2019) revealed the odds of getting
ColoRectal Cancer were 79% lower in those
who a diet high in allium vegetables, which
include garlic, leeks and onions.
One study of 543,220 participants found that those who ate lots of Allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions, leeks and shallots, had a lower risk of stomach cancer than those who rarely consumed them (Source).
A study of 471 men showed that a higher intake of garlic was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer (Source).
Based on these findings, including 2–5 grams
(approximately one clove) of fresh garlic into
your diet per day can help you take advantage
of its health-promoting properties.
Several clinical studies have found an association between garlic intake and a lower risk of certain types of cancer.
Despite the promising results showing an
association between garlic and a reduced risk
of cancer, more studies are needed to examine
whether other factors play a role.
Garlic is a great choice when it comes
to giving your body a little extra
protection. To reap the benefits of garlic,
you should eat one clove per day,
or 300 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of garlic extract.
The active component in garlic is
allicin, a compound that has been shown
to kill off cancer cells in multiple
test-tube studies (Source, Source, Source).
There is evidence demonstrating garlic can
kill cancer cells in vitro. Several
studies have analyzed the effects that
dietary garlic may have on the development
of colorectal cancer.
Several clinical studies have found an association between garlic intake and a lower risk of certain types of cancer.
10. Molecular Hydrogen and Cancer
There is little evidence to show that molecular hydrogen can
reduce the risk of cancer.
However, in terms of cancer management or treatment, studies
involving the effects of H2 on cancer were systematically
reviewed. More than 600 articles related to molecular
hydrogen and cancer were retrieved from Cochrane, PubMed and
Google Scholar, and 27 articles were included for
this systematic review (2023).
Based on the authors' analysis, "H2 plays a promising therapeutic role as an independent
therapy as well as an adjuvant in combination therapy,
resulting in an overall improvement in survivability,
quality of life, blood parameters, and tumour reduction."
Although H2 has demonstrated significant anti-cancer effects,
the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Many
studies have shown that H2 therapy can reduce oxidative
stress. This, however, contradicts radiation therapy and
chemotherapy, in which ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) are
required to induce apoptosis and combat cancer.
Caution and Concern
It's important to emphasize caution when it comes to these natural products. It wasn't long ago that, after finding that people who ate a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene had a lower risk of lung cancer, researchers set out to study the potential effect of supplements of beta-carotene on risk. Unlike the reduced risk seen with dietary beta-carotene, however, beta-carotene in supplement form was associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.The USPSTF found 6 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting on health outcomes associated with beta carotene supplementation (JAMA 2022). Two trials conducted in persons who smoke or were exposed to asbestos in the workplace found a significantly increased risk of lung cancer with beta carotene supplementation (NEJM 1994) and beta carotene plus vitamin A supplementation (NEJM 1996).
Nicotinamide riboside supplements and Cancer
Research from an international group of scientists and chemists also found that high levels of NR (nicotinamide riboside) could lead to an increased risk of developing cancer. A 2022 study by researchers at the University of Missouri found that taking nicotinamide riboside supplement may contribute to risks of brain cancer. The vitamin, called nicotinamide riboside, or NR for short, is a variant of B3. Taking the nutritional pill may lead to increased chances of breast cancer and brain metastasis, according to the study‘s results. Metastasis is when cancer cells spread through the body, causing multiple tumorous growths beyond an initial location.
Conclusion
When interpreting scientific studies, let’s remember that cell
culture results are trumped by mouse results. Mouse results are
trumped by human results. Case studies & small human trial
results are trumped by double-blind placebo controlled ones.
While there’s no silver bullet supplement, there are some
anti-cancer supplements on the market that may help you keep the
disease at bay or stop it from getting worse. Whether you’re
living with cancer, a survivor, or just concerned for your
health, talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
This article is part of the diet and cancer series. Other diet
and cancer related articles:
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