Slash Killer Cancer Risk with VITAMINS?!
It’s a big week for vitamins.
So far this week, I’ve told you about the impact that specific micronutrients have on your dementia risk and on the severity of inflammatory bowel diseases.
In both cases, it’s a HUGE relief to know that drug-free approaches to such serious illnesses can have a significant impact.
Well, the good news keeps on coming.
This time, specific nutrients were tied to a reduced risk of one of our TOP killers:
Cancer.
Many observational studies show a connection between certain nutrient deficiencies and increased cancer risk.
But while those studies establish correlation, they don’t prove causation.
This new study is different. It used a method called Mendelian randomization (MR), which incorporates factors that help evaluate the causal relations between a disease (like cancer) and risk factors (like nutrient deficiencies).
Using this unique technique, researchers tied SPECIFIC nutrient deficiencies to an increased risk of two TOP cancers.
- magnesium deficiency was associated with a higher breast cancer risk
- vitamin B12 deficiency was linked to an increased colorectal cancer risk
These findings were “robust and reproducible.” And that’s the gold standard for good science.
Since these are two of the MOST common types of cancer affecting both men AND women, it makes a strong case for having your levels tested.
And, of course, (most importantly) for correcting any deficiencies you have.
Pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, avocados, and cashews are excellent sources of magnesium. While eating more salmon, eggs, liver, beef, and dairy products will raise your vitamin B12 levels.
Both nutrients are available as supplements as well.
P.S. SLASH cancer risk in 4 minutes a day!
SOURCE:
Kim, J. Y., et al. (2023). An atlas of associations between 14 micronutrients and 22 cancer outcomes: Mendelian randomization analyses. BMC Medicine. doi: 10. 1186/s12916-023-03018-y
