Studies have shown a correlation with supplements and either preventing or controlling colon cancer. According to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine, about 1 in 20 people will develop colon cancer. Though the risk factors of developing colon cancer are many, including age, genetics and family history, the one area that can be controlled is the individual's dietary practices.
Folate or Folic Acid
A study by Shumin M. Zhang and others, and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, shows that folate may reduce the risk of colon cancer in women. Folate, commonly referred to as folic acid, is also known as vitamin B9. It is found in leafy vegetables, beans and legumes, beer, fortified grain products, nuts, and many fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin B12
The Zhang study also showed that vitamin B12 may reduce colon cancer risk in women. This vitamin is water-soluble and is synthesized by certain bacteria. It is found only in foods that come from animals, such as fish, meat, eggs or milk products.
Dairy Foods and Calcium
A clinical study by Dr. Peter R. Holt, director of the gastroenterology division of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, says that consuming calcium and vitamin D may reduce colon cancer cells. Calcium has also been shown to reduce polyps in individuals who would normally have increased risk. Calcium is a metal that is very soft. Nearly all calcium stored in the body is stored in bones and teeth. Dairy products, seaweeds, seeds,and other plants contain calcium, while vitamin D is found in fatty fish, eggs, beef liver and fish liver oils, and mushrooms.
Vitamins A, C and E
A study conducted through the cancer prevention research program of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center draws a correlation between supplementing vitamins A, C and E and reducing colon cancer, though researchers stress that more trials must be completed.
Vitamin A is generally known for its relation to good eyesight and vision. It is found in liver, carrots, peas, apricots and milk. Vitamin A taken in excess may increase the chance of osteoporosis.
Vitamin C occurs in many foods, especially fruits and other plants, as well as the liver of animals and in raw cow's milk. Supplements come in the form of caplets, tablets, drink mixes and more. Excess vitamin C is excreted through the urine.
In this study vitamin E was shown to have the strongest associations with reducing cancer. It occurs naturally in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Green leafy vegetables also contain vitamin E, as do fortified cereals. A vitamin E supplement can be consumed like any other supplement.
References
- PubMed: Relationship between vitamin and calcium supplement use and colon cancer
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition: Dairy foods and prevention of colon cancer
- American Journal of Epidemiology: Folate, Vitamin B6, Multivitamin supplements, and colorectal cancer risk in women
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine: Colon Cancer
