Study Links Top-Third Antioxidant Intake to 55.8% Lower Cervical Cancer Prevalence
Updated
Updated · mindbodygreen · Aug 21
Study Links Top-Third Antioxidant Intake to 55.8% Lower Cervical Cancer Prevalence
3 articles · Updated · mindbodygreen · Aug 21
Summary
1,044 women in U.S. health survey data showed a clear gradient: those in the highest antioxidant-intake third had 55.8% lower cervical cancer prevalence than those in the lowest.
Each 1-point rise in the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index was tied to an 11.4% lower prevalence, with no threshold effect—benefits increased steadily as intake rose.
The index tracked six antioxidants from foods—vitamins A, C and E, plus selenium, zinc and carotenoids—and researchers said the pattern may reflect lower oxidative stress that helps persistent HPV infections progress.
174 women reported a history of cervical cancer, and they were also more likely to smoke, be obese and live alone; the analysis adjusted for those factors.
The study was observational, based on a 24-hour dietary recall, so it cannot prove cause and effect; HPV vaccination and routine screening remain the main prevention tools.