ISLAMABAD, July 31(ABC): What may sound shocking is actually an eye opener for all those who prefer taking supplements without giving any second thought. A research study on more than 70,000 people has found a correlation between the consumption of vitamin B and a higher risk of lung cancer.
Vitamin B is an essential nutrient. It helps prevent infection and is useful in promoting cell growth, red blood cells, increasing energy level, improving eyesight, regulating brain function, aiding digestion and ensuring proper nerve function.
Vitamin B is mostly found in animal products. In order to compensate for the amount of vitamin B that one misses out from animal products, people often consume supplements.
Vitamin B complex supplement comprises vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12.
Multivitamins were associated with a 30% to 40% increase in lung cancer risk among men. It also found that the use of supplemental vitamins B6, folate, and B12 was not associated with lung cancer risk among women.
The study analysed the 10-year average supplement dose and saw that the risk was even higher among men who were smoking.
The study was done on men and women aged 50 to 76 years of age living in the 13-county region in western Washington State.