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Multivitamins may fight colon cancer

Category: Colon

Using a daily multivitamin may help individuals reduce their chances of receiving positive lab test results for colon cancer, according to a new study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology.

The new study is not the first investigation to suggest that multivitamins may have benefits when it comes to colon cancer. However, there has been inconsistent evidence. The study simply adds to the argument in favor of a protective effect for vitamins.

For the study, the researchers fed two groups of mice a high-fat diet - which is known to be a risk factor for colon cancer - over a 32-week period. One group was given vitamin supplements and the other was not.

The results showed that mice who received vitamin supplements developed colon cancer at lower rates than those that did not. The findings could help guide future approaches to preventing and treating colon cancer.

"It has been unclear whether multivitamin supplementation to cancer patients is helpful, has no effect, or is even detrimental during therapy," said Dr. Grant Pierce, editor of the journal that published the study.