Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Higher levels of vitamin B6 were associated with lower levels of DNA damage in men.
B vitamins are gaining notice in the role of cancer prevention (1-3). Previous studies have shown that higher intakes or higher levels of vitamin B6 in the blood are associated with a decreased risk of colorectal, lung, breast, and prostate cancers (4-7), although not all the studies are consistent (8). A recent research study attempted to determine how B vitamins may play a role in the cancer cycle by measuring damage to DNA (1). The study found vitamin B6 plays a role against oxidative DNA damage in men (1).
Low levels of vitamin B6 and folate lead to elevated homocysteine levels, which results in oxidative damage to DNA (1). The oxidative damage to the DNA can result in cancer production (1). Vitamin B6 also plays a role in glutathione production, which is an antioxidant and decreases oxidative damage to DNA (1). For these reasons, vitamin B6 and folate were studied to determine the connection with oxidative damage in DNA (1).
The research included 500 participants (293 men, 207 women) from 21-66 years of age in Japan. Blood levels of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal), folate, homocysteine and a marker for DNA damage ([8-OHdG]) were collected (1).
In men, higher vitamin B6 levels (pyridoxal) were significantly associated with lower levels of DNA damage (via [8-OHdG]; P for trend = 0.037). There was not a significant association in women (1).
Further analysis of the data showed that the reduction in DNA damage with higher vitamin B levels in men was only found in non-smokers (P for trend = 0.033) and those that consumed less than 20 grams/day of alcohol (P for trend = 0.048) (1).
There were no associations between folate levels and homocysteine levels and oxidative damage found in this study (1).
In conclusion, higher levels of vitamin B6 in the blood resulted in lower levels of DNA damage (via [8-OHdG]) in men. This suggests vitamin B6 protects against oxidative damage in men (1). Future research to determine if supplementing vitamin B6 can further decrease DNA damage is still needed (1).
Source: Kuwahara, Keisuke, et al. “Serum vitamin B 6, folate, and homocysteine concentrations and oxidative DNA damage in Japanese men and women.” Nutrition 29.10 (2013): 1219-1223.
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Posted July 9, 2013.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Kuwahara K, et al., Serum vitamin B6, folate, and homocysteine concentrations and oxidative DNA damage in Japanese men and women. Nutrition (2013) doi:10.1016/j.nut.2013.03.014
- Ames BN. DNA damage from micronutrient deficiencies is likely to be a major cause of cancer. Mutat Res 2001;475:7–20.
- World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. Food, nutrition, physical activity, and the prevention of cancer: a global perspective. Washington, DC: American Institute for Cancer Research; 2007.
- Ishihara J, et al. Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study Group. Low intake of vitamin B-6 is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer in Japanese men. J Nutr 2007;137:1808–14.
- Johansson M, et al. Serum B vitamin levels and risk of lung cancer. JAMA 2010;303:2377–85.
- Zhang CX, et al. Dietary folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine intake and the risk of breast cancer by oestrogen and progesterone receptor status. Br J Nutr 2011;106:936–43.
- Weinstein SJ, et al. Dietary factors of one-carbon metabolism and prostate cancer risk. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84:929–35.
- Weinstein SJ, et al. Null association between prostate cancer and serum folate, vitamin B(6), vitamin B(12), and homocysteine. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2003;12:1271–2.
