Supplements and Smokers
A new research study has linked high doses of B6 and B12 to an increased risk of developing lung cancer in male smokers.1 Taking certain supplements have been a concern for smokers in the past, the most studied is beta-carotene.2 Beta-carotene has been considered contraindicated in high doses for heavy smokers since the 1990s when studies showed it to have a negative effect on lung cancer outcomes in this population. Apparently, trying to take something good in order to outweigh something bad isn’t always a course of action that pans out very well.
Too Much of a Good Thing
The reason why this counter-intuitive effect is seen is not known completely. However, researchers suspect it may have something to do with the vitamins (B6 and B12) increasing the growth potential of cancer cells that have already begun to form as a result of tobacco use. A case where the good things we do for our bodies are good for all types of cells, including the cancer cells.
Vitamins Appear to Affect Women Smokers Differently
Male smokers taking high doses of vitamin B6 and B12 in individual supplements were shown to have a 30 to 40 percent increased risk of developing lung cancer compared to men who did not take the supplements, but who still smoked. Taking 20 mg of B6 a day for 10 years showed a threefold higher risk, and 55 mcg of B12 for the same period showed a fourfold increase in risk of developing lung cancer. The interesting thing is that the vitamins were not found to affect women smokers in the same way.
This research is not contradicting that smoking causes lung cancer, but concludes that these vitamins actually can hasten the process of cancer development.
VITamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort Study
The study itself looked at more than 77,000 adults, who were part of the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort study. All individuals were between 50-76 years of age, and recruited from Washington state. All results were adjusted for smoking history, age, race, education, body habits, alcohol use, and history of cancer, or chronic lung disease both personally and in the family; anti-inflammatory drug use was also was taken into account.
Study Specific to Supplements, not Food
This study was specific to people who were taking vitamin supplements, not getting B vitamins from their food. In addition, the doses being taken were greater than the RDA recommendations, which are 1.3 mg and 2.4 mcg for B6 and B12 respectively for men. The study was also specific to men who were current smokers, not for men who had been smokers previously.
Sources:
- Brasky TM, White E, Chen CL, et al. Long-Term, Supplemental, One-Carbon Metabolism–Related Vitamin B Use in Relation to Lung Cancer Risk in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort. Journal of Clinical Oncology . 2017
- Goralczyk R. Beta-carotene and lung cancer in smokers: review of hypotheses and status of research. Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(6):767-74.
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Node Smith, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Portland, OR and associate editor for NDNR. He has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine among the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend camp-out where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Four years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.