The Reversal of Cervical Dysplasia With Vitamin Therapy

by Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS

An emerging body of evidence suggests that nutrition may play a role in the
prevention and reversal of cervical dysplasia, which is a pre-cancerous
condition of the cervix.

The B-vitamin folic acid is critical to synthesis of normal DNA as cells
divide from one generation to the next. Cells that line the cervix replace
themselves every 7-14 days and therefore, the cells must continuously form
DNA as part of their genetic structure. Previous studies have demonstrated
that poor folic acid status can lead to DNA abnormalities with subsequent
development of cervical dysplasia or megaloblastic features of cervical
cells (large abnormal cell appearance).

Oral contraceptives are known to increase the rate of cell division of
cervical cells, hence, escalating the need for adequate folic acid intake.

Studies by Whitehead et al and Butterworth et al demonstrated that folic
acid supplementation could reverse cervical megaloblastic charges and
cervical dysplasia, respectively, in patients using oral contraceptives. In
fact, oral contraceptive use is a known risk factor for cervical dysplasia,
primarily due to its effect on speeding up cell division rates.

In the study by Butterworth et al, patients with mild and moderate degrees
of cervical dysplasia showed reversal of their condition over a three month
trial period with folic acid supplementation.

In both studies the authors noted a statistically lower mean red blood cell folic acid concentration in oral contraceptive users compared with nonusers,
which was particularly marked in patients with cervical dysplasia. Red blood
cell folic acid levels are considered to be a good indicators of folic acid
status.

Other population studies (epidemiologic) consistently support the hypothesis
that folic acid plays a protective role in the prevention of cervical dysplasia.
Unfortunately, up to 88 percent of the population consumes less
then 400mcg per day of folic acid. This is the level that women should ingest
to reduce the risk of spinal birth defect in their offspring The same level
of intake appears to be sufficient to reduce the risk of cervical folic acid
deficiency and subsequent risk of cervical
dysplasia.

Ingesting a multiple vitamin containing 400mcg is likely the most practical
and effective means of ensuring adequate folic acid intake.

In other studies, vitamin A and beta-carotene have been examined as nutrients
that may prevent or reverse cervical dysplasia. Epidemiologic (observation studies of a population) studies support the idea that vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin C are important for the prevention of this condition.

Smoking is a known risk factor for the development of cervical dysplasia and beta-carotene has been shown to be effective against smoking-related cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. This was documented in studies by de Vet HC et al and Winkelstein W. Jr. The amassing evidence suggests that low vitamin nutriture of these agents, cigarette smoking and human papillomavirus infection combine to>contribute to the risk, progression and evolution of cervical dysplasia. In recent years studies using topically applied vitamin A to the cervix resulted in up to a 50 percent complete reversal of cervical dysplasia in Phase ll and Phase lll clinical trails.

Vaginal and vulvar side effects of this treatment were mild and reversible at the end of treatment. These results suggest that this type of treatment represents a viable option in the treatment of cervical dysplasia. Vitamin A and its natural and synthetic derivatives (retinoids) modulate the growth of cervical cells, slowing growth and enhancing maturation of cells. All of these effects are related to the prevention of cancer and the reversal of pre-cancerous states.

In another study of patients with mild or moderate cervical dysplasia, 30 patients were treated with 30mg of beta-carotene orally for up to six months. More than 70 percent of patients showed reversal of their condition by six months, but only three months were required to realize optimal reversal of this condition as suggested by serum beta-carotene levels and measurement of shed cervicovaginal cells, which were highly correlated.

Presently Phase lll trials are underway which are testing beta-carotene and topical vitamin A as treatment agents against cervical dysplasia with larger populations and more sophisticated research methods.

In the meantime there is sufficient evidence to suggest that nutrition is a vital component of preventing and potentially reversing cervical dysplasia. Recently, lycopene has been added to the list of prevention agents that may reduce risk of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancers

(see AHREF="aol://4344:1679.Mesh_033.13663031.588921153" Folic Acid,Vitamin>E, Beta-Carotene and Lycopene May Reduce Cervical Cancer).

Consuming at least five fruit and vegetable servings per day in conjunction with a well-designed multiple vitamin is an important step in the prevention of this and other pre-cancerous and cancerous problems. In my view your multiple vitamin should be enriched with higher levels of antioxidants and contain 400mcg of folic acid.

Copyright 1998 Dr. James Meschino
References: Meyskens FL and Manetta A. Prevention of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer

Editors note: MGM Supplement's Multivitamin contains 400mcg of Folic Acid per 2 Tablets.
Our manufacturer research has found that there is no dry form of Beta Carotene, that is stable and so it is not used in their Multivitamin as of now.

See MGM Supplements New Improved Beta Carotene Supplement http://betacarotene.mgmsupplement.com

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease