Title:The Role of the Healthy Dietary Intake in Women with Human Papilloma Virus
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Author(s): Rebeca Monroy-Torres, Jaime Naves-Sanchez and Alejandro Guerrero
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Antioxidants, diet, Human papillomavirus, immunity, nutritional status, obesity, vitamins.
Abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in humans. More than
half of sexually active women and men are infected with HPV at some point in their lives. The behavior of lesions caused
by HPV is under the influence of immunological factors; cell-mediated immunity is an important aspect. Some authors
report that women with severe immunosuppression have an increased risk of cytological abnormalities in the presence of a
high load of HPV due to persistent infection. When nutritional status is poor in macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates
and fats) and micronutrients (mainly zinc, folic acid and vitamin A), immune function is limited, which leaves the body
unprotected against infectious pathogens like HPV. Several studies have reported beneficial associations with the intake
of some micronutrients such as vitamins A and C, folic acid, etc. These compounds have a chemopreventive effect due to
their antioxidant action. Analyzing the intake of some foods in patients with HPV will allow control of the injuries caused
by the virus. A dietary and nutritional approach in treating these patients should be considered.
