As if undergoing chemotherapy isn't trying enough, kids with
the most common form of childhood leukemia receiving this treatment
may also experience a significant reduction in their antioxidant
and micronutrient levels. This decrease could lead to severe side
effects from the chemotherapy.
However, there may be a ray of hope amidst this dark cloud.
According to a study, children could improve antioxidant and micronutrient
levels and prevent some of the adverse side effects of chemotherapy
by simply incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diets.
The study, prompted by parental concern regarding children's
safety in taking antioxidant supplements (such supplements might
affect the high cure rate experienced with leukemia), involved more
than 100 recently diagnosed children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
(ALL). The children had their antioxidant levels, antioxidant capacity
and oxidative damage measured during their first six months of chemotherapy
treatment.
Findings
- Blood levels of vitamin E decreased over time, while vitamin
A and total carotenoids increased
- Vitamin C and oxidative damage increased within the first few
months and declined by the sixth month.
- Antioxidant levels were associated with side effects of the
treatment; antioxidant capacity decreased throughout the course
of the study
- Children with higher concentrations of vitamins A, E and total
carotenoids experienced fewer poor outcomes (such as infections
and toxicity)
Based on the findings, researchers emphasized the importance of
eating more fruits and vegetables -- which may provide a more balanced
mix of antioxidants -- in addition to working with a nutritionist
to improve the child's diet.
Forbes.com
December 27, 2004.
Cancerpage.com
December 27, 2004
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