Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world and is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. According to a 2007 database from the American Cancer Society, there were approximately 371,000 cases of lung cancer in America. Researchers have been looking at vitamins and deficiencies and their possible role in the risk of developing cancer, including the B vitamins and their potential influence.
Vitamin B
The term vitamin B actually refers to a wide variety of vitamins. The B vitamins, also known as the B complex, include B1 or thiamine, B2 or riboflavin, B3 or niacin, B5 or pantothenic acid, B6, B7 or biotin, B12 and folic acid. Together they work use and make energy from the food you eat and are essential in the formation of red blood cells. The B vitamins can be acquired by eating fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans and peas.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a cancer that starts in the lungs and is divided into two types known as non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common. Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer though your risks can also be increased by air pollution, exposure to asbestos, a family history of lung cancer and exposure to a variety of cancer-causing chemicals. Symptoms can include a cough that does not go away, coughing up blood, wheezing, a loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue.
Medical Research
A 2010 study published in "JAMA" looked at serum vitamin B levels and the possible increased risk of lung cancer. After accounting for smoking as a risk factor, they looked at the connection between the B vitamins B-2, B-6, folate, or folic acid, and B-12. What they discovered was that a lower risk is associated with higher levels of serum B6 in smokers, non-smokers and those that have never smoked. A reduction in risk was also seen in higher levels of folate, but only in those who had or were currently smoking.
Considerations
As research shows, vitamins and nutrients play a vital role in disease prevention. Eating a balanced diet which provides the recommended amount of nutrients is essential for health. If you have risk factors for developing lung cancer, talk with your physician about having your serum B vitamin levels tested, and if low, your physician will recommend dietary changes or the addition of necessary supplements.
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