Supplementation with Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Improves Salivary Flow Rate in Oral Cavity Cancer Patients Summary: In a study involving 89 patients with oral cavity cancer, 6 weeks of radiation treatment was found to have detrimental effects on various salivary parameters, including decreased salivary flow rate, amylase activity and protein levels, and increased pH and potassium levels. When patients were supplemented with alpha-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E; 400 IU/day for 6 weeks), significant improvement in saliva flow rate, pH, potassium and sodium levels, protein levels, and amylase activity was observed. These results suggest that supplementation with alpha-tocopherol may be of benefit in reducing dry mouth in oral cavity cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. Reference: "Effects of radiation and alpha-tocopherol on saliva flow rate, amylase activity, total protein and electrolyte levels in oral cavity cancer," Chitra S, Shyamala Devis CS, Indian J Dent Res, 2008; 19(3): 213-8. (Address: Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra College of Biomedical Science, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra University and Research Institute, Porur, Chennai - 600 116, India. E-mail: chiresh2006@yahoo.com ) Posted October 2008 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.