Published Paper Details:

Background. Alpha-tocopherol (?-T) is known to be the main bioactive form of vitamin E founded in plasma and tissues. A prior plasma dosage of both vitamin E and vitamin C is required before and during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in order not to potentiate (when taking VE) a potential imbalance of the pro-oxidant/anti-oxidant balance at the origin of the appearance of metastasis and recurrence of cancer. The aim of this study was to analyse the variations in plasma alpha tocopherol and vitamin C levels in subjects diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer before any treatment. Methods. 30 samples were taken, 15 of which were subjects diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer and 15 healthy subjects as controls. Plasma assay was performed by high performance liquid chromatography. Results. Vitamin E varies in inverse proportion to the amount of vitamin C. An increase in one leads to a decrease in the other. Conclusion. The analyses showed that the plasma level of alpha tocopherol varies inversely with that of vitamin C. Hence the interest to take into account the vitamin status of these two micronutrients beforehand and to combine them during a supplementation. In order to avoid possible negative effects of this vitamin therapy.