Women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) may reduce the
odds that the virus will persist by increasing the amount of
certain carotenoids. Carotenoids are plant pigments with
antioxidant and other beneficial properties.

A recent study found that increasing dietary intake of vitamin C
and carotenoids found in papaya appeared to lower the risk of
persistent HPV infection.

There are more than 100 different types of HPV, including some
that cause genital warts. About 30 varieties of HPV can be
sexually transmitted. It is believed that certain “high-risk”
HPVs are a primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is the most
common sexually transmitted disease. It’s estimated that at least
20 million people are infected.

In the current study, researchers assessed the diets of 433
Brazilian women. They also performed lab tests to determine that
248 of the women had transient (occasional) HPV infection, while
185 had persistent HPV infection.

On average, women with transient HPV infection had higher daily
intakes of carotenoid nutrients than women with persistent HPV
infection.

The study suggests consuming foods rich in natural antioxidants
and carotenoids will diminish the risk of recurrent HPV
infection. Most vegetables and fruits are good sources of
carotenoids. You can also get excellent carotenoid nutritional
supplements from our clinics. If you’re not eating 4-6 servings
of vegetables and fruits every day, we think a carotenoid
supplement would be wise. Call us today.

Giuliano, AR et al, Dietary intake and risk of persistent human
papillomavirus (HPV) infection: the Ludwig-McGill HPV Natural
History Study. J Infect Dis. 2003 Nov 15;188(10):1508-16. Epub
2003 Nov 3.