NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IN ORAL CANCER

*Dr. Niharika Kumari, Dr. Gopa Kumar R. Nair, Dr. Vinay Mohan, Dr. Anuj Gaur, Dr. Binish Khan and Dr. Ngurang Anam

ABSTRACT

Cancer is still one of the most leading causes of death worldwide, with new cases rapidly emerging every day in developed and developing countries alike. Oral cancer and head and neck cancer remains the sixth most commonly occurring malignanttumor. The main causes are tobacco and alcohol, although the diet is currently considered an important determinant of its development. In this scenario along with other modalities, supplements in dietlike vegetables and fruits which are rich in phytochemicals andantioxidants (vitamins A, C, E etc.) can play an important role in suppressing the growth of cancer. Some of thesechemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agents known to us areselenium, tomatoes (lycopene), spirulina, neem, green tea, turmeric and other few medicinal mushrooms. Various nutrients in the diet have specific mechanisms of action, which helppreventcancer and increase the risk ofoccurrence, growth and spread. Fried food and diet rich in red meat with pro-inflammatoryeffectsincrease the risk of developing oral cancer whereasfood like vegetables, fruits, green tea and curcumin are known to reduce its risk. This abstract emphasizes the importance and need of these natural treatments against oral cancer.

Keywords: Oral cancer, Nutrition, fruits, vegetables.