Preventing Breast Cancer with B6

Healthy DNA — the genetic code in the core of every cell — is a must for preventing cancer. Vitamin B6 is a must for producing and repairing DNA. Now, two studies have shown that a high intake of B6 may help prevent breast cancer.

Taiwanese researchers studied the link between B6 and breast cancer in more than 1,000 women, dividing them into three levels of B6 intake: high, medium and low. Those with the highest intake had a 34% lower risk of breast cancer than those with the least. The high-level B6'ers also had a 22% lower risk of breast cancer than those with a medium intake. The researchers noted that the link between low B6 intake and breast cancer was "particularly evident among . . . women who had never used vitamin supplements."

In a similar study of 876 women, Chinese researchers found that those with the greatest dietary intake of B6 had a 46% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with the least intake.

I'm happy to say that a good multivitamin powder has 85 milligrams (mg) of B6 — a very high (and probably very protective) level of this crucial nutrient.

More good news? Japanese women only get breast cancer 1/3 as often as American women. It is suggested that this is due to high iodine intake in the diet. A good multivitamin powder has 200 mcg of iodine — a good level. If you have a family history or personal history of breast cancer, I would consider adding iodine 12.5 mg (12,500 mcg) daily. For more, see Iodine Deficiency — An Old Epidemic Is Back.

References

"Dietary intake of vitamin b(6) and risk of breast cancer in taiwanese women." Chou YC, Chu CH, Wu MH, Hsu GC, Yang T, Chou WY, Huang HP, Lee MS, Yu CP, Yu JC, Sun CA. J Epidemiol. 2011 Sep 5;21(5):329-36. Epub 2011 Jun 25.

"Dietary folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine intake and the risk of breast cancer by oestrogen and progesterone receptor status." Zhang CX, Ho SC, Chen YM, Lin FY, Fu JH, Cheng SZ.Br J Nutr. 2011 Sep;106(6):936-43. Epub 2011 May 16.