Role of Food Supplements in Premalignant Lesions: A Literature Review

Year : 2025 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 03 | Page : 17 26
    By

    Supratim Ghosh,

  • Ranjan Ghosh,

  • Sarmi Kundu,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Dentistry, College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital, West Bengal, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Burdwan Dental College and Hospital, Est Burdwan, West Bengal, India
  3. House Staff, Department of Dentistry, College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Premalignant lesions of the oral cavity are histopathological alterations in the oral epithelium linked to a higher likelihood of malignant transformation. These lesions frequently present as leukoplakia (white patches), erythroplakia (red patches), oral lichen planus, and oral submucous fibrosis. Oral cancer, categorized among head and neck malignancies, is considered the sixth most common cancer globally. While tobacco and alcohol consumption remain the primary etiological factors, increasing evidence underscores the significant role of dietary patterns in modulating cancer risk. Various dietary constituents exhibit distinct biological activities that may either mitigate or potentiate the risk of carcinogenesis. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, curcumin, and green tea have demonstrated protective effects, primarily due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-proliferative properties. In contrast, consumption of pro-inflammatory foods—particularly those high in red meat and fried products—has been associated with an increased risk of oral cancer. While certain studies suggest that some dietary supplements may offer supportive benefits in cancer prevention and management, there is no definitive scientific consensus confirming their ability to cure, prevent, or halt the progression of cancer. It is essential for individuals, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment, to consult healthcare providers before using supplements, as these products can interact with medications and potentially cause adverse effects. Numerous epidemiological investigations have found that diets abundant in antioxidants and essential nutrients are associated with a reduced risk of developing several types of cancer, including oral, lung, cervical, and gastrointestinal malignancies. Comparative studies focusing on premalignant oral lesions have examined the chemopreventive potential of various bioactive food compounds. Micronutrients are fundamental to maintaining overall and oral health, and growing evidence supports their role in cancer prevention. This discussion evaluates the therapeutic relevance of specific vitamin supplementation in managing oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer (OC), with attention to their possible anti-cancer effects. A critical limitation in in vivo studies lies in the complexity of isolating the specific effects of individual nutrients, given the interplay of multiple etiological variables. However, in vitro studies offer a more controlled environment, enabling a clearer understanding of the mechanisms through which certain dietary compounds exert their influence on cellular processes. In conclusion, despite inherent methodological challenges, current evidence supports the protective role of a nutrient-dense diet—particularly one abundant in fruits, vegetables, and select animal-derived products—in the prevention of oral and other malignancies. This protective effect is attributed to the synergistic action of bioactive micronutrients that modulate key pathways involved in carcinogenesis.

Keywords: Premalignant oral lesions; Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs); Oral cancer; Leukoplakia; Erythroplakia; Oral submucous fibrosis; Oral lichen planus; Carcinogenesis.

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry ]

How to cite this article:
Supratim Ghosh, Ranjan Ghosh, Sarmi Kundu. Role of Food Supplements in Premalignant Lesions: A Literature Review. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2025; 16(03):17-26.
How to cite this URL:
Supratim Ghosh, Ranjan Ghosh, Sarmi Kundu. Role of Food Supplements in Premalignant Lesions: A Literature Review. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2025; 16(03):17-26. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjod/article=2025/view=228370


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 16
Issue 03
Received 11/08/2025
Accepted 25/08/2025
Published 29/09/2025
Publication Time 49 Days
172

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