Is There Something I Can Do To Guard Against Colon Cancer?

Regular Use of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements May Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer, New Study Suggests

Could the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in a regular diet help to reduce the risk of colon cancer and
protect against carcinogens?

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology (CJPP) found
that laboratory subjects given regular multi-vitamin and mineral supplements showed a significantly lower risk of developing colon
cancer when they were exposed to carcinogens.

"It has been unclear whether multivitamin supplementation to cancer patients is helpful,
has no effect, or is even detrimental during therapy," commented the researchers
"This study is important because it gives some direction to cancer patients in desperate need
of guidance on the value of multivitamins and minerals administered during cancer."

The authors studied laboratory subjects that
were fed a high-fat diet (20% fat) over a 32
week period. The subjects were divided into
6 groups, which were exposed to different combinations of supplements and carcinogens;
the colon carcinogenisis induced in the study has characteristics that mimic human colon cancer.

Those subjects fed a high-fat plus low-fibre
diet and exposed to carcinogens developed pre-cancerous lesions; whereas, those under
going similar treatment, but provided with daily multivitamin and mineral supplements, showed
a significant (84%) reduction in the formation
of pre-cancerous lesions and did not develop tumors.

The authors conclude that "multivitamin and mineral supplements synergistically contribute to the cancer chemo-preventative potential, and hence, regular supplements of multivitamins and minerals could reduce the risk of colon cancer."

Story Source:
Canadian Science Publishing

Journal Reference:
Multivitamin and mineral supplementation
in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced experimental colon carcinogenesis and evaluation of free radical status, antioxidant potential, and incidence of ACF. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2012;

This article is for informational and educational purposes only; It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor or
healthcare professional.