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Nutrient Deficiencies and Cancer

© David Olle

The role of nutrition in cancer development is a controversial subject. The proposed mechanisms of action are complex, as it is difficult to separate cause and effect. For example, two comprehensive reviews 2 4 found that 75% of epidemiological studies reported a significant association between cancer protection and the consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, foods contain a wide variety of nutrients and non-nutritive substances such as phytochemicals, so it is difficult to isolate the specific factors.

This report describes the known effects of vitamin and trace mineral deficiencies on cancer risk. 1Nutrition scientists normally define a nutrient deficiency as the appearance of clinical or metabolic symptoms that can be specifically related to an inadequate intake of a nutrient. Although acute deficiency diseases such as scurvy or beri-beri are rarely seen today, the Federal Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) describes nutrient intake levels that are deemed adequate to protect against sub-clinical manifestations of deficiency diseases. As described below,Dr. Combs 3 argues the case for higher recommended levels to account for the protective effect of the nutrient against diseases such as cancer. Since cancer is related to genetic disorders, studies have focused on the roles of vitamin and trace mineral deficiencies in causing damage to the DNA molecule.

Folic Acid

Recognizing the importance of folic acid in preventing neural tube birth defects, the federal government mandated the supplementation of grain products with the vitamin. This supplementation is designed to provide 100 micrograms of the 400 microgram daily requirement. Recently, evidence has accumulated to indicate that this level of intake may have a protective effect on reducing homocysteine, a risk factor in coronary artery disease. Folic acid deficiency can promote cancer, particularly colon cancer, due to the abnormal incorporation of uracil into the DNA molecule. Fruits and vegetables are particularly rich in folic acid.

Vitamins B12 and B6

Deficiencies of B12 or B6 can also result in cancer due to abnormal incorporation of uracil into DNA as part of the same metabolic pathway as folic acid. Epidemological studies have indicated an association between deficiencies of these B-vitamins and cancer, but the results are mixed. It appears that there is an interaction between a particular genetic makeup of the individual and a B-vitamin deficiency that can result in a risk for cancer formation.

Vitamin C

Experimental and epidemiological studies have shown that vitamin C protects against stomach cancer. Scientists propose that Vitamin C protects against oxidative damage from inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. Many studies, however, have not shown any benefit, so many factors need to be sorted out and evaluated. Of interest is that smokers have a 40% higher requirement for Vitamin C, due to greater oxidative stress.