B Vitamins Cause Cancer?

No, not exactly. However, it seems that there is an association between high-dose B-Vitamins and the incidence of lung cancer – in men. Are you taking a “Mega-dose” B-Vitamin?

A large study conducted at the end of 2017 indicates that taking large-doses of Vitmains B6 or B12 over long periods of time can increase the chance of developing lung cancer in males. B6 and B12 supplementation was associated with a 200 to 400% increase in development of Lung Cancer in non-smoking males. In male smokers the increase was 300-400%.  There was no increase seen in females, either smokers or non-smokers, although new studies are being conducted.   The Ohio State University study is available here.

So again, the B-Vitamins didn’t cause the cancer. They increased the chances of developing the lung cancer – “Bigly”.

Vitamins are essential for normal growth and development and for many chemical reactions in the body. Vitamins B6 and B12 are water soluble, meaning they cannot be made or be stored in your body and must be obtained in the diet regularly. Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is found in plant and animal sources, whereas vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal products.Vitamin B6 is important for the maintenance of organs that make white blood cells in your body. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells.Low intake of vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia, dementia, weakness, nerve damage and loss of appetite.

A lot of B-vitamin supplements are actually 1000 to 3000)% of the “RDA” (Recommended Daily Allowance) for these vitamins. Check the bottle on your shelf. It’s here that these folks in the study ran into trouble.

Chiropractors can specifically help with issues like this because we often are consulted for dietary issues and we can make nutritional recommendations.  Chiropractic is appropriate for this issue because we take extra time and detailed histories. At Blue Heron Chiropractic, we take supplement use very seriously.  At the same time, it needs to be mentioned that the study did not indicate that natural sources of B-Vitamins presented a risk.    Many fruits and vegetables — including bananas, spinach, avocados and potatoes — are good sources of Vitamin B6.Seafood, including trout, haddock and tuna, provides a good source of this vitamin. Steamed clams are a particularly rich source of vitamin B12, offering 1,401 percent of the recommended daily allowance in just 3 ounces. Eggs, chicken, milk, cheese and yogurt contain reasonable amounts of vitamin B12. Many breakfast cereals contain added vitamin B6 and B12 to help boost daily consumption (although this may now change).

Logically concluding, taking a look at the B6 and B12 in your diet or supplementation routine is an important step to managing your lung cancer risk. It’s important to note that not smoking is also something that you can do to prevent lung cancer susceptibility.

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Blue Heron Chiropractic is a full service clinic featuring modern and effective chiropractic and chiropractic orthopedics, massage, exercise rehabilitation and natural medicines on Northeast (NE) Broadway in Portland, Oregon. Directed by Dr. Dana Sibilla, we treat new pain and persisting pain, auto or work injuries. Furthermore, we integrate well with almost all other providers. We manage wellness and treat a range of conditions, from back pain to whiplash to migraines to fibromyalgia, sciatica and joint pain. Finally, if you have questions about how Chiropractic can help you, or about exercise, pain or pain management, schedule an appointment today.