Vitamin B-12 plays a role in numerous functions in the body, from manufacturing DNA and RNA to aiding immune function. It's also essential for breaking down carbohydrates and proteins. The stomach produces intrinsic factor, a protein that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B-12. Although vitamin B-12 is associated with several benefits, it may increase the risk for prostate cancer.
Vitamin B-12
Researchers from Umea University in Sweden studied the relationship between folate and vitamin B-12 circulating concentrations and the risk for prostate cancer. They analyzed folate and vitamin B-12 circulating concentrations in patients with prostate cancer and healthy individuals. At the end of the study, scientists found no association between vitamin B-12 circulating concentration and risk of prostate cancer, according to findings published in the February 2008 issue of "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention."
Vitamin B-12 Blood Levels
In research reported in the February 2005 issue of "Journal of Cancer," scientists from Umea University Hospital in Sweden explored the relationship between blood levels of vitamin B-12 and risk of prostate cancer in lung cancer patients and healthy persons. They observed that participants with the highest levels of vitamin B-12 significantly increased their risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those with the lowest vitamin B-12 levels.
Review of Scientific Literature
Scientists from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom performed a review of the scientific literature on the effects of blood levels of vitamin B-12 and risk of prostate cancer in men aged 50 to 69, which they reported in the June 2010 issue of the "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention." The authors concluded that increased vitamin B-12 was associated with an increased risk for developing prostate cancer.
Interactions
Vitamin B-12 may interfere with certain medications, including anticonvulsants, proton pump inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants and chemotherapy medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamin B-12 supplement.
References
- "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention"; Circulating Concentrations of Folate and Vitamin B12 in Relation to Prostate Cancer Risk: Results From the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition Study; M. Johansson et al.; February 2008
- "International Journal of Cancer"; Plasma Folate, Vitamin B12, and Homocysteine and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Prospective Study; J. Hultdin et al.; February 2005
- "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention"; Circulating Folate, Vitamin B12, Homocysteine, Vitamin B12 Transport Proteins, and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Case-Control Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis; S.M. Collin et al.; June 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B12
