What is the best supplement to take for HPV?

If you have tested positive for HPV, you might be wondering what is the best supplement to help get rid of the virus from your body. We look at the choices, what the science says and what action you can take.

Why take action to get rid of HPV?

Human papillomavirus, known as HPV, is a very common sexually-transmitted viral infection. We now know that the longer it stays in the body, the more likely it is that you will develop changed cells on the cervix. You may hear them described as abnormal cells or cervical lesions.

For most people, these are harmless. But for some people HPV persists in the body and if the changed cells or lesions develop further, the chance of developing cervical cancer increases.

Most women find that their body’s own immune system clears HPV naturally within two years. However, about a third of women are not able to do this. So, what can you do to get rid of HPV faster?

How can food supplements help fight HPV?

Each year we learn more about how the body fights HPV. With these discoveries, our use of food supplements to support the body’s own immune system is improving.

Scientists have established several ways in which food supplements can help the body fight HPV:

Glucan supplements to stimulate immune cells

Beta-glucans have well-researched immune-boosting effects, stimulating the activity of different cells that make up our immune system. Beta-glucans are a type of carbohydrate known as polysaccharides. They are abundant in Reishi, and is also found in Turkey Tail. Both of these are mushrooms used in Chinese medicine.

Alpha-glucans are another type of polysaccharides known to stimulate a type of immune cell called Natural Killer Cells or NK Cells. These are best known for killing cells infected with a virus and controlling early signs of cancer. AHCC is an extract from mushrooms that contains alpha-glucans and which is also used in Chinese medicine. 

Currently there is more evidence on the immune-boosting effects of beta-glucans than alpha-glucans. 

Probiotics to restore the protective microbiome

The natural protective environment of the vagina is known as the microbiota and is made up of trillions of microorganisms. A healthy vaginal microbiota is typically composed mostly of the “good” bacteria Lactobacillus spp. From all the different types of vaginal Lactobacillus spp., it is thought that Lactobacillus crispatus might be the most protective. These helpful bacteria maintain the body’s own protective environment and guard against vaginal infections. 

A recent study of patients infected with HPV and who have a disturbed or altered microbiota (known as vaginal dysbiosis) showed that after 90 days of taking oral supplements with Lactobacillus crispatus, 94% had a healthy vaginal microbiota. They were also significantly more likely to rid their bodies of HPV infection.

Folic acid to regulate cell growth

Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin folate. Low levels of folate can weaken the body’s ability to regulate cell growth and increase the chances of abnormal cell growth, such as changed cells, or lesions, caused by HPV, and cervical cancer. More than 30% of women, however, cannot properly process folic acid in their body. This means that when deciding on a food supplement to take to clear HPV, it is important to look for an active form of folic acid which can be used more readily by the body. 

Antioxidants including selenium, zinc and vitamins, especially vitamin C, to manage oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is an imbalance in your body of two types of molecules known as free radicals and antioxidants. Too many free radicals can harm your body’s cells and tissues. Rebalancing them with antioxidants protects your body from this damage and allows cells to work normally.

What are my choices of supplement?

The most comprehensive supplement available is Papilocare® Immunocaps, which contains all of the above four elements known to support the immune system. Its unique formula works to strengthen the body’s natural defences for women with HPV or other vaginal infections.

Other multi-ingredient products marketed as HPV supplements are available. However, they usually lack probiotics, which are important to restore the protective environment of the vagina. And if they do contain any folic acid, this is not usually in the bioactive form, which many women need for it to be effective.

As for single-ingredient supplements, the most popular are:

• Reishi  for beta-glucans
• Turkey tail, also known as Coriolus versicolor for beta-glucans and 
• AHCC for alpha-glucans. 

A good approach may be to use a multi-ingredient supplement such as Papilocare® Immunocaps and if necessary, add a product such as AHCC for alpha-glucans.

Where can I get Papilocare®?

LivBio is the official retailer of Papilocare® in the UK.

You can find out more about Papilocare® Immunocaps and purchase it here.