Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among men and women with about 234,000 new cases per year. We know the major risk factor is cigarette smoking as it accounts for 80% of the deaths. In the past, the association between B vitamin supplementation and lung cancer risk has not been clearly understood and controversial. There was a 2009 published study that demonstrated a 21% increased cancer incidence associated with the use of B12 and folate. The highest cancer demonstrated was lung cancer.
A recent study published by Traci Pantuso, ND – who is faculty member at Bastyr University Seattle – had different results. This meta analysis found that B vitamin supplementation was associated with a lower risk of melanoma, but not overall cancer incidence.
I found the study very interesting to read. The role of vitamin B supplementation in lung cancer is not fully understood. More studies need to be done. There are concerns with the higher vitamin doses used today beyond the RDA requirements.
Possibly we should only supplement those that are deficient.
Until tomorrow...