| Re: question about vitamins for hpv
Kimie, sorry for your loss and for the stress of the abnormal paps.
This may be a bit long...
I did quite a bit of research on vitamins/supplements/nutrition. While I decided not to buy any of the pre-packaged stuff, I did start taking the following supplements for about 6 mos after high-risk HPV test / colpo / and LEEP:
- Folic Acid/Folate (AKA Vitamin M or B9) -- critical to synthesis of normal DNA as cells divide (why it is so important for child bearing years in general). Cervical cells replace themselves every 1-2 weeks, so it is important to make sure you are getting the recommended 400 mcg of folic acid every day.
Sidebar - another study I read showed lower folic acid concentration in the cells of oral contraceptive users than non-users -- it implied that if you are on the pill, it is doubly important to make sure you're getting your folic acid.
- Vitamin A/Beta-carotene -- helps to modulate the growth of cells. Note - Vit A can be toxic in large doses, so make sure you pay attention to dosing guidelines.
- Antioxidants in general (Vit A, C, E) etc. Rather than going crazy with supplementation, I tried to pay extra attention to getting nutrients from food - fresh fruits and vegetables, then supplement as needed
- Finally, Aloe Vera is reported to help the body absorb vitamins (especially C and E.) Some people have a hard time absorbing them (presence of H.Pylori - the bacteria that causes ulcers, not enough fat in diet, consuming fat substitues like Olestra.)
Anyway, I would eat right / take supplements as needed with aloe juice (um, not the best for the palate on it's own, but if you mix about an ounce of it in with juice - not too bad.)
I got a good pap 6 months after the LEEP, though I am due to go back in for another shortly. Ugh, wish me luck... I am dreading it!
Hope this info helps.
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