Role of Nutrition in Cancer Treatment

Nutrition plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Nutrients provide essential nourishment to the body for the maintenance of life. These can be divided into two groups, i.e. energy nutrients and protector nutrients. Certain vitamins (such as B vitamins) and minerals (such as magnesium), which help in the process of conversion of food into energy by activating specific enzymes are called energy nutrients, whereas the nutrients that protect the body from various toxins (such as environmental pollutants) are known as protector nutrients. The protector nutrients include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc. Most of the protector nutrients act as antioxidants by eliminating free radicals (which are highly reactive, unstable molecules produced during the process of conversion of food into energy). Some nutrients are known to perform specific functions in the body, for example, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium protect the body from environmental pollutants while B vitamins counteract emotional and physical stress. The nutritional deficiencies may lead to the genesis of cancer by suppressing the immune system of the body and inducing premature ageing.

A vegetarian diet is rich in fibre, micronutrients and antioxidants. A study conducted on 1200 persons, all above the age of 66 years, has shown that the vegetarians have a significantly lower incidence of cancer as compared to the non-vegetarians. Another study conducted at the Institute for Experimental Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany has revealed that the blood samples of vegetarians contain higher levels of cancer-preventing factors such as carotene and glutamine transferase. Moreover, the activity of the natural killer cells (NK cells) is found to be twofold higher in the vegetarians as compared to the non-vegetarians.

Amino acids play an important role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. N-acetyl cysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid that inhibits angiogenesis, enhances the immunity of the body and reduces toxic side effects of radiotherapy & chemotherapy. N-acetyl cysteine plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA and protects DNA from the damaging effect of free radicals. L-arginine, an amino acid, enhances the anticancer activity of the natural killer cells (NK cells) and the cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Another sulphur-containing amino acid, methionine, increases survival period in the liver cancer patients.

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) prevents the genesis of cancer by enhancing the activity of the macrophages. A study done on advanced cases of breast cancer has shown partially to complete regression of the tumours after administration of Coenzyme Q10. It also protects tissues of the liver, kidney and the heart from the damaging effect of free radicals. Soya bean, grape seed, sesame seed, pistachio, walnut and spinach contain rich contents of coenzyme Q10.

Gamma-linolenic acid inhibits the growth of cancer by producing good eicosanoids such as PGE-1. This function of gamma-linolenic acid is promoted by vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C and zinc. Studies have shown that a combination of gamma-linolenic acid and vitamin C increases the survival period in liver cancer patients. Black currant oil, evening primrose oil and mother’s milk contain rich contents of gamma-linolenic acid.