The colon, or lower intestine, is the most important region of human digestive system. It is the final part of solid food's journey through the body system, which begins with the mouth ingesting food, the stomach's digestion of solids and the small intestine's absorbing of essential nutrients. It is also one of the body's most vulnerable regions. The American Cancer Society reports colorectal cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the United States and a person has a one in 19 chance of developing the disease during his or her lifetime.
Vitamin A
Some colon cancer strains present a resistance to all-trans retinoic acid, a chemotherapy drug that is known by its abbreviation ATRA. A study conducted at the University of Texas examined whether vitamin A, or retinol, could reduce cancer-related proteins. Cancerous beta-catenin protein cells were treated with vitamin A for 24 to 48 hours. Study organizers reported that retinol decreased the degradation of healthy cells and could reduce cancer growth.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6--also known as folic acid--deficiency may increase the risk of colon cancer. Researchers at Montreal's McGill University conducted animal studies measuring the vitamin's effect on the disease. Mice were divided into two groups--one group fed a regular diet and another deprived of folates. The result was tumors found in the vitamin-deficient mice and a cancer-free control group.
In a 2008 article about colon cancer and natural remedies, Prevention magazine cited a study showing that individuals with ulcerative colitis can reduce their risk of developing colon cancer 62 percent by taking folic acid.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not just a powerful antioxidant and nutrient; it can strengthen and protect the delicate tissues of the colon. In the case of ulcerative colitis, the University of Maryland Medical Center says there is no singular prevention, however a diet rich in vitamin C can reduce one's risk. Prevention magazine cited multiple studies connecting it to colon cancer prevention. One of the studies, published in a 1982 edition of the journal Cancer Research, traced the recurrence of colon polyps in 137 test subjects. Study authors wrote that the 70 participants who took a vitamin C supplement were less likely to see a recurrence in polyps than the 67 members of a placebo group.
Vitamin D
According to the Vitamin D Council, a California-based non-profit agency, vitamin D consumption is related to colon cancer risk. The organization credits brothers Cedric and Frank Garland for advancing research vitamin D and its effect on colon cancer. The Garlands believed the link between low rates of colon cancer in sunny areas was due to the body's absorption of vitamin D from sunlight. The council referred to 19-year-long study conducted by the brothers, which showed rates of colon cancer were more than double in men with a diet lacking in vitamin D.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is an antioxidant. These nutrients are key in eliminating free radicals, or oxygen molecules that roam through the body causing inflammation and modifying healthy cells. Cell modification can lead to the promotion of cancer. The University of Minnesota conducted a long-term study of more than 35,000 women living in the state of Iowa. Based on the data, researchers found that those with a diet high in vitamin E were less likely to develop colon cancer than those on diets with higher intakes of other vitamins.
References
- PhysOrg: Too little folate may risk colon cancer
- "Prevention": Colon Cancer-Vitamins that may be helpful
- "Molecular Carcinogenesis": Retinol decreases beta-catenin protein levels in retinoic acid-resistant colon cancer cell lines
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- "Cancer Research": A Randomized Trial of Vitamins C and E in the Prevention of Recurrence of Colorectal Polyps
