The assumption that cancer can be prevented by daily vitamin consumption has been proven false by research at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
The Women’s Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study in co-operation with Brigham and Women’s Hospital followed 5,244 women with cardiovascular risks to see how folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 affected rates of cancer.
Half of the women participating in the study, professionals over the age of 42, took the supplements daily while the other half took placebos. However, the results showed no significant difference in cancer rates between the two groups.
"A total of 379 women developed invasive cancer -- 187 in the active treatment group and 192 in the placebo group," said co-author Shumin Zhang. "Compared with placebo, women receiving the active treatment had similar risk of developing total invasive cancer, breast cancer, or any cancer death."
Since folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are key factors in DNA synthesis, it had been theorized that they could prevent cancer if taken regularly. Even though these supplements aren't proven to be preventative of cancer, they are still good for a multitude of other things your body needs -- so don't stop taking them.
Vitamin B6 is needed for protein metabolism, red blood cell metabolism, and proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems.
Vitamin B12 is needed for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production. This is the stuff you take more of if you need more energy.
Folic Acid plays a large role in cell growth and development, as well as tissue formation.
A good, well-rounded multi-vitamin is recommended on a daily basis for general health maintenance, no matter what your age.
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