Vitamin A May Shield Former Smokers: Chemical cousin restores key protein that protects against lung cancer.

TUESDAY, Feb. 4 (HealthScoutNews) -- A chemical cousin of vitamin A may shield former smokers from lung cancer. Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that giving a vitamin A derivative called 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis-RA) to former smokers restored production of a protein believed to protect against lung cancer. Their report appears in the Feb. 5 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute . The study found no evidence that three months of therapy with 9-cis-RA restored health to cells that were already precancerous. However, the study shows that "chemoprevention" of future lung cancer may be feasible. The best natural sources are livers, especially fish liver and fish-liver oil, whole milk, cheese and eggs. Vitamin A does not exist in plants. However, leafy green and yellow vegetables and yellow fruits contain a pigment called carotene, which the liver can convert into Vitamin A. Among the best sources of carotene are dandelion and turnip greens, carrots, collards, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes and apricots.

To restore energy production to damaged cells in the lungs and relax bronchial airways, the following nutrients are suggested:Coenzyme Q10: assists in cellular respiration and acts as an antioxidant Lipoic acid: functions as a cofactor in energy production, acts as a free radical scavenger, and helps regenerate the effects of other antioxidants Acetyl-L-carnitine: transports lipids into the mitochondria to be used in the production of cellular energy NADH: a reduced form of vitamin B3 essential for energy production Taurine: may improve breathlessness and increase cardiac blood flow Magnesium: is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and relaxes bronchial muscles Potassium: weakness and fatigue are symptoms of deficiency. Consult your physician for blood testing.

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Editor's Note: There was another study indicating that supplementing with betacarotene may increase the chances of getting lung cancer for smokers. For now, the answer may be to supplement with Vitamin A Palmitate. See an excellent source of vitamin A.