Chronic pancreatitis eased with antioxidants
Added 01.10.2009
What is chronic pancreatitis?
The pancreas is a gland situated behind the stomach that has various roles in our body including: producing enzymes that help digestion by breaking down proteins, carbohydrates and fats; and producing hormones, such as insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed and chronic pancreatitis occurs when this inflammation is permanent. Most cases of chronic pancreatitis are caused by excessive alcohol consumption and the main symptom is abdominal pain, which for many people can be severe and constant.Chronic pancreatitis sufferers may no longer have to endure pain; a scientific study suggests that antioxidants, in particular selenium, beta-carotene, methionine and vitamins C and E are effective at reducing abdominal pain.
Antioxidants ease pancreatitis pain and decrease oxidative stress
Selenium, beta-carotene, methionine and vitamins C and E were found for the first time in a scientific study to significantly reduce pain associated with chronic pancreatitis. These antioxidants were also found to reduce levels of oxidative stress - chronic pancreatitis often involves damage from free radicals.The Scientific Study
Background information
This randomised placebo-controlled, double-blind study recruited 127 people with chronic pancreatitis. The participants were divided into two groups receiving either placebo or antioxidants (600mcg selenium, 0.54g vitamin D, 9000IU beta-carotene, 270IU alpha-tocopherol and 2g methionine). Participants were assessed for pain and oxidative stress levels - markers consisted of superoxide dismutase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - throughout six months.
Results
The participants receiving antioxidants experienced a significant reduction in the number of painful days per month compared to the placebo group (p<0.001). Reduction in the number of painkillers was also higher in the antioxidant group. Additionally, 32% of the individuals in the antioxidant group became pain free. As for oxidtive stress levels, the antioxidant group experienced a significant decrease in oxidative stress compared to the placebo group.
What is selenium?
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that protects intracellular structures against oxidative damage. It is vital for the function of over 80 proteins in our body that help build heart muscles and maintain healthy sperm.References:
Garg, P.K. & all. "A randomised controlled trial of antioxidant supplementation for pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis." Journal of Gastroenterology. September, 2008.
Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:
Chronic pancreatitis is a very unpleasant and painful condition for which traditional medicine has very little to offer and there is no cure. This study is very promising as the pain relieving effect of these 100% natural ingredients is highly significant and the treatment has no side effects. It is important to notice that the dosages used in the study are far higher than the "old fashioned" recommended daily allowance (RDA), but still very safe. If you suffer from a medical condition you most often need higher dosages to achieve an effect than if you just wanted to prevent it. When studies fail to demonstrate an effect of natural supplements it is often due to the fact that the researchers have used very low dosages or have used synthetic forms.
