Relationship: Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) and vitamin A

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A
For the health condition: Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoids) have been investigated for their potential roles in supporting cancer treatment, particularly in reducing side effects such as mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes), xerophthalmia (dry eyes), and skin-related toxicities associated with chemotherapy and radiation. Scientific evidence suggests that vitamin A is essential for maintaining epithelial integrity and immune function, which can be compromised during cancer treatment. Some clinical trials have explored topical and systemic vitamin A supplementation to reduce severity and incidence of oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy or head-and-neck radiotherapy, with mixed results—some studies report modest benefit, while others find limited or no effect. Vitamin A analogs (like all-trans retinoic acid) are established therapies for specific cancers such as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), but this use is distinct from general side-effect management. The evidence supporting vitamin A supplementation specifically for reducing cancer therapy side effects is limited and not robustly conclusive. There are concerns about hypervitaminosis A and potential interactions with cancer treatments. Current guidelines do not universally recommend routine vitamin A supplementation for patients undergoing cancer therapy unless a deficiency is documented. In summary, while there is some scientific investigation and rationale, the evidence base is weak (rated 2/5), and supplementation should be considered cautiously and on an individual basis, ideally under medical supervision.

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3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Acemannan
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Alantolactone
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alpha-lipoic acid
amino acids
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
Angelica
anthocyanidins
anti-aromatase
Antrodia camphorata
apigenin
arabinoxylan
Arisaema
Artepillin C
artesunate
ashitaba
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
aster root
astragaloside
astragalus
atractylodes
atractylone
Auricularia
baccosides
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bacteria
bael
baicalein
baicalin
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basil
BCAA
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Beef liver
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seaweed
selenium
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sesame
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shiitake mushroom
Shikonin
Shilajit
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Sichuan Lovage
siler root
Silybin
smilax
Sophora
soursop
Southern Tsangshu
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
Sulfated polysaccharide
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sulforaphane glucosinolate
suma
Syringic acid
Szechuan lovage
Tanshinone
Tea
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typhonium
Typhonium flagelliforme
ubiquinol
Uncaria
Urolithin A
Ursolic Acid
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
Vine tea
Viscum coloratum
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Vitexin
Wax Gourd
wheat grass
Whey protein
Withanolides
Wogonin
Wulinshen
Xanthohumol
Xanthone
Xanthoparmelia
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Xylaria nigripes
Yacon
Yellow root
Yew
Yumberry
Zedoary
Zinc
Zingerone
Zingiberene
Zucchini

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Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A
For the health condition: Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)

Other health conditions supported by vitamin A

Products containing vitamin A

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin AFor the health condition: Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)

Other health conditions supported by vitamin A

Products containing vitamin A

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A
For the health condition: Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)