VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS TO PREVENT CANCER: INOSITOL, LIPOIC ACID AND VITAMIN A

April 2nd, 2009

Inositol

Inositol is an unofficial phtyochemical (a potential cancer-fighting agent found in food) and a powerful antioxidant member of the B vitamin family, derived from high-fibre foods containing phytic acid (legumes, cereal, grains and citrus fruits). Inositol is found in nearly all body cells and aids the liver in removing excess fat from its tissues, which prevents fat and bile accumulation in the liver. Inositol plays an essential role in transferring signals between cells and the environment and it may be a preventative against large intestine cancer.

Inositol is present in both plants and animals. The best natural sources are lecithin, brewer’s yeast, lima beans, peanuts, raisins, wheat germ, cabbage, cantaloupe, grapefruit, molasses, legumes, cereal grains.

Lipoic Acid

Lipoic acid is a F3 group vitamin which helps to neutralize the effects of free radicals on the body by enhancing the antioxidant functions of vitamin Ñ, Å and glutathione. It is the only antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble, which means that it’s easily available to all areas of the body. It helps quench free radical damage caused by sugars and it is used by the mitochondria to produce energy. It assures proper functioning of the two key enzymes that convert food into energy.

Lipoic acid stimulates the body’s immune system and contains the antioxidant compound sulphur, which is also found abundantly in garlic and onions. Lipoic acid is essential in protecting the body’s liver. It can actually restore the liver’s most powerful antioxidant, glutathione. A good source of lipoic acid is animal liver.