An estimated 20 percent of men and 40 percent of women 50 and older in the U.S. do not get enough vitamin B-6, a vitamin scientists suspect may lower the risk of some cancers, according to the "Journal of the American Medical Association." While research suggests the vitamin may play a role in cancer prevention, the American Cancer Society cautions large-scale studies are necessary to confirm the preliminary findings.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble mineral necessary for red blood cell formation, the metabolism of fats and proteins, and nerve, brain and immune system function. The vitamin produces antibodies your body needs to fend off disease and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Good sources of vitamin B-6 include fortified breads and cereals, meat, poultry, nuts, banana, avocado, fish and dried beans. The National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements recommends adults aged 19 to 50 get 1.3 mg of the vitamin and men and women 51 and older, 1.7 and 1.5 mg, respectively.
Colorectal Cancer
Observational scientific studies show low vitamin B-6 intake or blood levels of the vitamin may increase your risk of colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society reports. An article in the March 2010 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" reviewed 13 studies that examined a potential association and found the risk of colorectal cancer fell with higher intake or blood levels of the vitamin. Study authors Susanna C. Larsson and colleagues noted a 21 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer in those with the highest intake of vitamin B-6.
Lung Cancer
Deficiencies in B vitamins, including B-6, may cause DNA damage and gene mutations, leading to an increased risk of cancer, authors Mattias Johansson and colleagues suggest in a June 2010 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association." In a study of more than 2,500 individuals, the authors found those with the highest levels of vitamin B-6 in their blood had a 56 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer than those with the lowest levels. While the findings are encouraging, the authors emphasize more research is necessary to confirm the results.
Breast Cancer
Research studies exploring the link between breast cancer and intake of vitamin B-6 are conflicting. A study in the March 2003 issue of the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" found women with high levels of the vitamin had a 30 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to those with low levels. However, a study by Enbo Ma and colleagues in a June 2009 issue of "Nutrition and Cancer" found dietary intake of vitamin B-6 in combination with vitamin B-2, folate and vitamin B-12, did not decrease the risk of breast cancer among study participants.
Bladder Cancer
Fruit and vegetable intake are known to reduce the risk of bladder cancer, but a study by Reina Garcia-Closas and colleagues in the "European Journal of Cancer" shows vitamin B-6 may do the same. The researchers found individuals who consumed the highest levels of vitamin B-6 had a 40 percent lower risk of developing bladder cancer than those with the lowest levels of the vitamin. The study also reported high dietary intakes of other B vitamins and retinol, a form of vitamin A, with a reduced risk of bladder cancer.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Vitamin B6 and Risk of Colorectal Cancer --- A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies; Susanna C. Larsson, et al.; March 2010
- American Cancer Society; Vitamin B Complex; March 2010
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Serum Vitamin B Levels and Risk of Lung Cancer"; Mattias Johansson, et al; June 2010
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute"; Plasma Folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Homocysteine and Risk of Breast Cancer; Shumin M. Zhang, et al.; March 2003
- "Nutrition and Cancer"; Dietary Intake of Folate, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Genetic Polymorphism of Related Enzymes, and Risk of Breast Cancer --- A Case-Control Study in Japan; Enbo Ma, et al.; June 2009
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