Mom always said to take your vitamins, but did she know it could prevent cancer? According to a latest study, it does exactly that. A new study by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle shows that men who take Vitamin C or E, were found their risk of acquiring prostate cancer was reduced up to 23 percent. It is one of a growing number of studies that suggest vitamins C and E are helpful supplements in preventing disease.

This latest study confirms an earlier finding this year that these vitamins reduce hormone stimulation of prostate cancer cells.

VITAMIN E

Topical Vitamin E   Emollients are substances which soften and moisturize the skin. Emollients may be used as lubricants to treat dry, itchy skin and minor skin irritations. They are also used to protect the skin against irritation (chafing, diaper rash). Know more about Topical Vitamin-E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which can attach to, molecules in the body known as free radicals. The importance of this is that by inactivating these free radicals, it eliminates the amount of damage free radicals can due to other cells.

It is this process, scientists believe, that free radicals may induce an abnormal over-stimulation growth of cells, leading to a cell line to turn cancerous. It was discovered that smokers who have high vitamin E content in their blood, are less likely to acquire lung cancer than those with lower levels.

Perhaps more established is the effect Vitamin E has in preventing heart attacks. Again, utilizing its role as an anti-oxidant, vitamin E can prevent the oxidation of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL or better known as the "bad" cholesterol), thereby reducing plaque formation in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Future studies have focused on vitamin E possibly slowing the aging process, with initial current data showing reducing cataract formation and glaucoma.

Vitamin E deficiency is relatively rare in this country, but can occur especially in people with absorption problems including inflammatory bowel and celiac disease. Vitamin E is found in green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils, such as corn and safflower oil. The recommendation is 10 mg for males over 11 years old a day, and females over age 11 at 8 mg.

More on C!

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient involved in many functions of the body. It is used to prevent and to treat scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C supplements are necessary when inadequate amounts are received as a result of poor nutrition. Know more about Vitamin-C

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C, another free radical anti-oxidant, and its deficiency, known as scurvy, was well known to the early sailors traveling to America. There has been a lot of interest as well, however, in its role as a cancer-fighting drug and anti-aging potential. Vitamin C aids in collagen metabolism and wound healing, and its deficiency can lead to excess bleeding, weakness, and malaise.

Many of my patients swear on vitamin C improving the immune system. However, I advise patients to take it judiciously, as people who may have the gene for a disease known as hemochromatosis, may be more likely to retain excessive amounts of iron.

The recommended daily amount of Vitamin C is 50-60 mg per day in males and females, and 90 mg a day if lactating. Its deficiency is more common among poor, as fresh fruits and vegetables are often the main source of vitamin C.

I am encouraged by the recent studies on these vitamins, and in a majority of my patients I am recommending vitamin supplementation. If these studies hold up, we may be looking at an easy and inexpensive way to fight some devastating diseases.