The Risk Men Should Know: Popular Supplement Raises Lung Cancer Risk by 40%, Study Finds
The market for vitamin supplements is experiencing significant growth due to various reasons. These supplements provide a means for individuals who are at risk of vitamin deficiencies to replenish their levels.
However, claims about the health benefits of taking vitamin supplements are often dubious, and some may even have adverse effects, although the research findings are inconclusive.
This uncertainty is evident in studies investigating the link between vitamin B12 supplementation and the risk of cancer. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), a division of the National Institutes of Health, has analyzed the available literature and identified concerning associations.
The ODS refers to observational evidence published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Observational studies involve researchers examining the impact of interventions, risks, diagnostic tests, or treatments without attempting to manipulate the exposure of individuals.
In this particular study, researchers investigated the relationship between the long-term use of supplemental B vitamins and the risk of lung cancer in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort, which was specifically designed to explore the connection between supplement usage and cancer risk.
The analysis included a total of 77,118 participants between the ages of 50 and 76, recruited from October 2000 to December 2002. The researchers discovered that the use of at least 55 mcg/day of supplemental vitamin B12 for an average of 10 years was associated with a 40 percent higher risk of lung cancer in men. However, no such association was found between the use of supplemental vitamin B12 and cancer risk in women.
It is important to note that some observational evidence contradicts the notion that high concentrations or intakes of vitamin B12 increase the risk of certain cancers.
For instance, a study cited by the ODS found no link between higher vitamin B12 intakes or serum concentrations and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, clinical trials support the absence of a relationship between higher vitamin B12 intakes and cancer risk.
A meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 74,498 individuals demonstrated that B vitamin supplements, including vitamin B12 doses ranging from 20 to 2,000 mcg/day, had minimal or no effect on cancer incidence, cancer deaths, or overall mortality during follow-up periods of 2 to 7.3 years.
Various health bodies have provided their recommendations on the use of vitamin B12 supplements. The Mayo Clinic states that when taken in appropriate doses, vitamin B12 supplements are generally considered safe.
According to the experts, adults aged 19 to 64 require approximately 1.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day, which can be obtained from meat, fish, dairy foods, and a balanced diet. However, individuals following a vegan diet may not consume sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 since it is not naturally present in fruits, vegetables, and grains.
They also advise against excessive vitamin B12 supplementation, as it may be harmful. Taking 2mg or less of vitamin B12 supplements per day is unlikely to cause any harm.
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