Folic acid, vitamins B6 and 12 do not affect colorectal adenoma risk

October 12, 2012 in Cancer

Combined folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 supplements had no statistically significant effect on the risk of colorectal adenoma among women who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease, according to a study published October 12 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Between 28% and 35% of the U.S. population reported to take dietary supplements containing folic acid, vitamin B6, and , and previous in vitro and animal studies have shown that combat colorectal carcinogenesis, and some observational suggest a 20%-40% reduced risk in individuals with the highest intake of folate, but most have focused exclusively on folic acid supplementation. In order to determine the potential effects of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 on the risk of colorectal adenoma—a precursor to colorectal cancer— Yiqing Song, M.D., Sc.D., of the Harvard Medical School in Boston and colleagues conducted a study in the Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study (WAFACS), a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial which looked at 5,442 female health professionals who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The participants in the WAFACS, which took place between April 1998 and July 2005, were randomly assigned to a combination of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, or placebo. This analysis included 1,470 WAFACS participants who received a follow-up endoscopy at some point during the 9.2-year follow-up period.

The researchers found that the risk of colorectal adenoma among women was not statistically significantly affected by the intake of combined folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation. "Our findings do not support recommending B- for the prevention of colorectal adenomas," the researchers write, adding more evidence is needed in order to verify their findings. They also found that consumption of alcohol, known to be a folate "antagonist," did not influence the effect of supplements on colorectal adenoma risk.

In an accompanying editorial, Regina G. Ziegler, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics writes that the null results of the trial, that high doses of folic acid did not increase risk of colorectal adenoma during up to nine years of follow-up, are reassuring with respect to the US decision to fortify cereal-grain products with folic acid, beginning in 1998, to reduce neural tube defects. However, the null results are less pertinent to the protective potential of folate, B6, and B12 when given to men and women with suboptimal micronutrient intake. "Observational epidemiology results, from prospective studies of diet and supplements or of circulating biomarkers, are provocative and imply that the role of folate and other B vitamins in colorectal carcinogenesis merits continued exploration."

More information: DOI:10.1093/jnci/djs370

Journal reference: Journal of the National Cancer Institute search and more info website

Provided by Journal of the National Cancer Institute search and more info website

not rated yet  

Rank not rated yet
Relevant PhysicsForums posts

More news stories

New fluorescent tools for cancer diagnosis

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) and other non-coding RNAs are small molecules that help control the expression of specific proteins. In recent years they have emerged as disease biomarkers. miRNA profiles have been used ...

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Modulating the immune system to combat metastatic cancer

Cancer cells spread and grow by avoiding detection and destruction by the immune system. Stimulation of the immune system can help to eliminate cancer cells; however, there are many factors that cause the immune system to ...

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Scientists put bowel cancer under the microscope

Researchers from London's Kingston University have begun a two-year study which could help prolong the lives of people with colorectal tumours.

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Researcher identifies breast cancer fighting hormone

Transformative research from Western University has identified new hormones in the body which may suppress breast cancer and stimulate the regression of breast tumors.

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Ground breaking cancer research finds immune system link

(Medical Xpress)—Curtin University researchers have found evidence that targeting specific cells in the body can reverse the effects of cancer on the immune system.

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0


First drug to improve heart failure mortality in over a decade

Coenzyme Q10 decreases all cause mortality by half, according to the results of a multicentre randomised double blind trial presented today at Heart Failure 2013 congress. It is the first drug to improve heart failure mortality ...

Heart failure accelerates male 'menopause'

Heart failure accelerates the aging process and brings on early andropausal syndrome (AS), according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. AS, also referred to as male 'menopause', was four times ...

Seniors more likely to crash when driving with pet, study finds

(HealthDay)—Animals make great companions for senior citizens, but elderly people who always drive with a pet in the car are far more likely to crash than those who never drive with a pet, researchers have ...

New immune system discovered

(Medical Xpress)—A research team, led by Jeremy Barr, a biology post-doctoral fellow, unveils a new immune system that protects humans and animals from infection.

Brain can be trained in compassion, study shows

Until now, little was scientifically known about the human potential to cultivate compassion—the emotional state of caring for people who are suffering in a way that motivates altruistic behavior.

Death highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight

Mortality and length of stay are highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight, according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. The analysis of nearly 1 million ...