Cancer prevention at the microscopic level with the potent power of micronutrients

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating ongoing exploration of effective prevention strategies. Micronutrients, vital for maintaining cellular health, offer promising avenues for cancer prevention. This review delineates the critical roles of micronutrients in cancer prevention, elucidating their mechanisms at the cellular level. Focusing on essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, C, D, E, selenium, and zinc, we explore their profound effects on fundamental cellular processes such as DNA repair, oxidative stress regulation, cellular proliferation, and immune surveillance. These nutrients, characterized by their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties, have shown potential in reducing the risk of cancer. The article synthesizes outcomes from a broad spectrum of clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and systematic reviews to evaluate the efficacy of micronutrients in thwarting cancer development. This critical analysis explores significant trials, addresses controversies in nutrient efficacy, and highlights the implications for clinical practice and public health policy. The review underscores the importance of integrating nutritional strategies into comprehensive cancer prevention frameworks and suggests directions for future research to optimize the preventive potentials of micronutrients.

Keywords: Antioxidative nutrients; Cellular mechanisms in cancer; Micronutrient clinical trials; Micronutrients and cancer prevention; Nutritional oncology; Public health and nutrition.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Key internal sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) include mitochondria, peroxisomes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase, and various metabolizing enzymes. External sources such as radiation and xenobiotics also contribute to ROS production. These ROS play a critical role in the initiation and advancement of cancer, impacting the development and progression of the disease. The figure has been reproduced with the permission from Ref. [17]. Copyright 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Fig. 2

Nutrients impact cancer through their influence on molecular targets associated with cancer hallmarks, primarily by modulating the production of ROS, which play a crucial role in tumor-promoting inflammation. Beyond this, nutrients affect various cancer hallmarks; for instance, fatty acids influence tumor-promoting inflammation, promote angiogenesis, activate invasion and metastasis, and sustain proliferative signaling. These effects significantly alter an individual's susceptibility to cancer and their prognosis. By tailoring dietary interventions, it's possible to develop personalized nutrition strategies that specifically address these aspects, potentially improving cancer outcomes. The figure has been reproduced with the permission from Ref. [6]. Copyright 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.