What Are the Benefits of Vitamin Therapy for Cancer?

While it should not be considered a replacement for traditional forms of medical treatment, the use of vitamin therapy for cancer can provide some benefits. It offers a natural, complementary treatment that can be used in conjunction with more invasive medical procedures like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, though taking large quantities of some vitamins can carry its own risks and should therefore be discussed with a doctor. Research has indicated that certain vitamins may help fight different types of cancer, by both increasing the body's immune function and destroying tumor cells directly. There is also evidence that taking some vitamins may help to prevent cancer from developing in the first place.

Some patients may be interested in vitamin therapy for cancer because it is a more natural way for them to address their disease. Medical treatment of cancer often involves physically intense procedures that often have some severe side effects. Adding vitamin therapy to their treatment plan can allow patients to attack their disease from a different angle that can be less invasive. It is important to remember, however, that taking the large amounts of vitamins that may be required to be effective in cancer treatment can also have side effects, or be dangerous for those with certain conditions. As with any new treatment, it is critical that patients speak to their doctors about potential risks first.

Perhaps the most important benefit of vitamin therapy for cancer is its potential to help fight the disease. There has been some research that supports the idea that high doses of vitamin C, administered intravenously, may work to destroy tumors. Evidence suggests that vitamin D may also help kill cancer cells, as well as boosting the immune system. Vitamin A is also good for boosting immunity and might reduce the size of tumors or slow their growth. Including these vitamins in a patient's treatment may improve his or her chances of making a successful recovery from cancer.

Another possible benefit of vitamin therapy for cancer is that it may help prevent the disease. Studies on the effects of vitamins A and D indicate that they may ward off the growth of tumors. They may be able to affect pre-cancerous cells or growths and inhibit their tendency to develop into full-blown cancer. It is also generally important to get enough of the proper nutrients to keep the body healthy and the immune system functioning properly.