B Vitamins: Breast Cancer

Nutraceutical: B vitamins

Indication: Breast cancer

Source: Am J Epidemiol, May 15, 2011;173(10):1171-82.

Research: Scientists used the Shanghai Women’s Health Study (1997-2008), which involved 72,861 women aged 40 to 70, to assess possible associations between folate, niacin, vitamin B6 and B12 and incidence of breast cancer.

Results: Pre-menopausal women had a 40% reduced risk of developing breast cancer with higher intake of folate. Higher levels of niacin intake resulted in 60% higher risk of breast cancer. Researchers believe these findings support the hypothesis that high folate intake may reduce the risk of breast cancer and that the association may vary by menopausal status.