Significance of Vitamins A and E in Cancer Progression and Prevention

Abstract

Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A and E, are essential micronutrients generally found in fruits, nuts, oils, and vegetables. These vitamins have better absorption and retention in the body when compared to water-soluble vitamins. They also play a significant role in cellular metabolism and the pathophysiology of human health and disease. Further, acting as coenzymes in several biochemical pathways, these vitamins also play a crucial role in immune regulation, vision, and oxidative stress responses. Further, these vitamins have emerged as potential preventive and therapeutic strategies for a wide range of diseases. Recently, vitamins A and E have been shown to exert beneficial effects against various cancers. Further, these vitamins are actively involved in cancer progression or prevention by regulating oxidative, immune, and inflammatory responses, as well as epigenetic processes. This narrative review discusses how recent preclinical and clinical studies have identified multiple pathways through which these vitamins impact cancer prevention and therapy. Furthermore, it also analyzes the potential of vitamins A and E in cancer management and advocates for continued research to unlock their therapeutic potential.