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Study: Multi-Vitamins Don't Do Much For Cancer

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Nov 5, 2008 9:18 pm US/Mountain

Study: Multi-Vitamins Don't Do Much For Cancer

Reporting
Dr. Dave Hnida
DENVER (CBS4) ― Millions of women take a daily multi-vitamin for a lot of reasons, but when it comes to cancer, that multiple vitamin doesn't pack much of a punch, according to a new study.

It's been known B vitamins boost immunity, improve brain function and cut the risk of birth defects. Now the largest study of its kind looks to see if that morning multiple with B vitamins can cut the risk of cancer -- the report says it doesn't.

"It's a surprising 'No' vote since previous studies had suggested that foods that are high in folate and B vitamins might be protective against cancer, especially breast and colon cancer," CBS4 Medical Editor Dr. Dave Hnida said.

Vitamins or no vitamins, it's still possible for a woman to cut her risk of cancer, mainly since it's believed close to 80 percent of cancers are caused by lifestyle, not family history.

It's known more than one drink of alcohol raises risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, a half-hour of exercise a day cuts that risk. An extra 20 pounds of belly fat increases the risk of more than 20 different cancers, yet staying within 10 pounds of ideal weight knocks down that risk, especially breast and colon cancer. While red meat and fatty foods up cancer rates, fish, fruits and vegetables prevent the disease.

"Bottom line, popping a pill sure would be an easy way to stay cancer free, but it's the everyday things that will help keep you cancer free," Hnida said.

Hnida says it doesn't mean a daily multiple vitamin is a waste of time, but it's really just a supplement to a good diet.

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