Vitamins That Can Help Treat Cervical Dysplasia

When abnormal cells are found on the cervix this condition is called dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia is considered to be a precancerous condition. Mild dysplasia can disappear on its own or it can be the first step towards cervical cancer. Having annual Pap smear tests is crucial for detecting and monitoring cervical dysplasia. Dysplasia can occur at any age from puberty onward. It's usually found in women between the ages of 25 and 35.

When a Pap smear test reveals cervical dysplasia, another Pap smear is usually ordered to confirm the first test result. If abnormal cells are still present, a procedure called a colposcopy may be performed. The colposcope magnifies and focuses an intense light on the cervix, this allows the doctor to observe the cervix in greater detail. The doctor can then take a biopsy, a piece of the cervix to be analyzed. If the biopsy shows that abnormal cell growth extends into the cervical canal, a cone biopsy may be performed. This is when a cone-shaped tissue sample is removed for analysis. This procedure may be done in a hospital using general anesthesia or in a doctor's office.

Removal of the dysplastic cells is usually recommended since the presence of this abnormal tissue seems to increase a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer. This is done by cauterization, cryosurgery or laser surgery. Cauterization uses heat, electricity or chemicals to burn the abnormal tissue off the cervix. Cryosurgery freezes the cells and laser surgery destroys the cells with a laser. Frequent pap smears are usually recommended to evaluate if the treatment was successful.

Factors that predispose females to risk are as follows:

  1. Early age of first intercourse or multiple sexual partners.

  2. Herpes simplex II and papilloma virus infections.

  3. Low serum Beta-carotene levels and Vitamin A levels. These nutrients improve the integrity and function of epithelial cells - act as an antioxidant and improves immune functions.

  4. Oral contraceptive use decreases numerous nutrient levels (Vitamin C, B12, B6, Folic acid, B2 and Zinc) which are involved in immunity.

Folate deficiency appears to increase the ease with which cervical cancer can develop. The dosage of folate used for treatment purposes is often as much as 10 mg daily. Because folate can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, dosages at this level must be prescribed by a physician. It is known that cervical cytological abnormalities related to folic acid deficiency precede haematological abnormalities by many weeks. Oral contraceptive users are usually low in tissue levels of folic acid due to inhibition of tissue folate uptake, particularly in the cervix, thus an abnormal cytological smear may reflect folate deficiency rather then dysplasia.

Studies have found that women with cervical dysplasia tend to show a high frequency of general nutritional deficiencies. Because of this they should take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Particular vitamins most commonly associated with cervical dysplasia when deficient include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and selenium.

Treatment

  1. Fat intake to 25% of calories.
  2. Stop or reduce smoking.
  3. Eliminate oral contraceptive use.
  4. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.
  5. Increase fiber content in diet.

Nutritional Supplement Options

Heme 100

3 - 6/day (Folic acid supplement)

BACE

3/day (Antioxidant/A and Beta carotene supplement)

Lymphodran

3/day (Anti viral)

Flavonol C

3/day (Vitamin C supplement)

Zymin

5 - 15 mls/day (Zinc Supplement)

Kelamin

1 - 3/day (Multi B and mineral complex)

GLA/EFA

3 tsp/day (Anti viral and anti-inflammatory)

Betacarotene

10mg 3/day (Betacarotene supplement)

The herbs and nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements that may help the condition. Please do remember however that nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in no way replaces medical treatment.

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