Nobel laureate Linus Pauling promoted daily mega doses of vitamin C as a way to prevent colds and protect the body from other chronic diseases. There is no question that vitamin C plays a role in controlling infections. It is also a powerful antioxidant, that can neutralize harmful free-radicals, and it helps make collagen, a tissue needed for healthy bones, teeth, gums, and blood vessels.
Vitamin D helps ensure that the body absorbs and retains calcium and phosphorus, both critical for building bone. Laboratory studies also show that vitamin D keeps cancer cells from growing and dividing.
Continuous low-dose of Vitamin E supplementation, (as part of a daily antioxidant pill), is found to reducing the risk of cancer. Studies suggest that at least 400 IU of Vitamin E per day. However, Vitamin E as the Vitamin C, interferes with certain medicines, like Zocor, Prevachol, Lipitor or Crestor, reducing those medicines effect in as much as to 40%. If you take those medicines, it is advisable to consult with your physician, concerning how much Vitamin E supplementation is recommended.
To have at least 400 micrograms a day of Folic Acid, as recommended, is not easy to get from food. That is why women of childbearing age should take extra folic acid. It is also why the US Food and Drug Administration now requires that Folic Acid be added to most enriched breads, flour, cornmeal, pastas, rice, and other grain products, along with the iron and other micronutrients that have been added for years. An exciting discovery about Folic Acid, and the two other B vitamins, is that they may help fight heart disease and some types of cancer. Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 play key roles in recycling homocysteine into methionine, one of the twenty or so building blocks from which the body builds new proteins. Without enough Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12, this recycling process becomes inefficient and homocysteine levels increase. Several observational studies show that high levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risks of heart disease and stroke. Increasing intake of Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 decreases homocysteine levels. Some observational studies show lower risks of cardiovascular disease among people with higher intakes of Folic Acid, those who use multivitamin supplements, or those with higher levels of serum Folate (the form of Folic Acid found in the body). In addition to recycling homocysteine, Folate plays a key role in building DNA, the complex compound that forms our genetic blueprint. Observational studies show that people who get higher than average amounts of Folic Acid from their diets or supplements have lower risks of colon cancer and breast cancer. This could be especially important for those who drink alcohol, since alcohol blocks the absorption of folic acid and inactivates circulating Folate. An interesting observation from the Nurses' Health Study is that high intake of Folic Acid blunts the increased risk of breast cancer seen among women who have more than one alcoholic drink a day. Because only a few adults currently get the recommended daily intake of B vitamins by diet alone, the use of a multivitamin supplement is increasingly important.
Selenium is the minerals most found in many studies, and references as helpful for cancer prostate.
Zinc is an essential mineral for many essential functions in our body system.
Alpha Lipoic is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent damage from free radicals and unstable oxygen molecules. It can also dissolve in both water and fat, thus making it a universal antioxidant that can reach skin tissues and other body tissues that other antioxidants cannot get. Alpha lipoic acid can help our body recycle vitamins C and other antioxidants to enhance their effectiveness.
Soy and components of soy called isoflavones, have been studied scientifically for numerous health conditions. Isoflavones (such as genistein) are believed to have estrogen-like effects in the body, and as a result are sometimes called phytoestrogens.
Black Cohosh is a phytoestrogen herb because contains estrogenic components. When taken consistently through peri-menopause and menopause, it may compensate the decrease of estrogen deficiency symptoms.
Lycopene a substance found mainly in tomato products, has also been found helpful in preventing and fighting cancer.