Micronutrient and Trace Element Influences on Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Vedati Prathima, Shubhnita Verma, Jangam Sowmya, Prasad ChitraAbstract
Introduction:
Oral cancer, a global health concern, has multifaceted etiologies involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with nutrition playing a crucial yet often overlooked role.
Objective:
The study aimed to disentangle these complex dietary interactions and their impact on oral cancer, advocating for informed public health policies and targeted nutritional interventions to reduce the disease’s burden.
Methodology:
The methodology employed is a systematic literature review of research on the relationship between micronutrients, trace elements, and oral cancer. Databases PubMed and Cochrane were searched for relevant studies. 1300 articles were collected. Out of which 11 were included for Meta-Analysis.
Results:
The study found significant associations between nutritional factors and oral cancer risk, with deficiencies linked to cancer progression. Vitamin D and Zinc levels among the subjects with oral cancer were lower than the subjects without oral cancer, with a standardized mean difference of −1.66 and −1.69, respectively. Selenium and Copper levels among the subjects with oral cancer were greater than the subjects without oral cancer, with a standardized mean difference of 1.64 and 1.18, respectively, whereas Vitamin D and Copper have shown a significant relation.
Conclusion:
Vitamin D and Zinc levels were lower among subjects with oral cancer, whereas selenium and copper levels were greater among subjects with oral cancer.