Lee Swanson Research Update

Antioxidants Reduce Chemotherapy Side Effects in Children

December 2004

antioxidants

A large percentage of children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia have inadequate intakes of antioxidants and vitamin A, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. As a result of the study, researchers noted that "lower intakes of antioxidants are associated with increases in the side effects of chemotherapy."

"Chemotherapy leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species, which stresses the antioxidant defense system," study authors noted. "This study was conducted to investigate the effect of therapy on antioxidant intakes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the relation between dietary antioxidant intakes and plasma antioxidant concentrations, and the relation between the incidence of side effects due to treatment and antioxidant intake."

A team of researchers observed the effects of antioxidants on 103 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were on chemotherapy. The subjects were given vitamin E, total carotenoids, beta-carotene and vitamin A in amounts that were 66%, 30%, 59% and 29% of the recommended daily allowance, respectively, or of the amounts specified in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Plasma micronutrient concentrations, dietary intakes and incidence of side effects were assessed at baseline, at three months and again at six months.

After six months, children who took more vitamin C had fewer therapy delays, less toxicity and fewer days in-hospital. Subjects who took more vitamin E had fewer infections. Greater consumption of beta-carotene reduced the risk of chemotoxicity. Lower intake of the antioxidants, however, tended to increase chemotherapy side effects.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition79(6):1029-1036, 2004

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