Alternative Health Blog

In a case-control study involving 322 cases and 239 controls, total intake of various vitamins and minerals were found to be inversely associated with bladder cancer risk. Specifically - comparing the highest versus the lowest quartiles, total intake of vitamin E was associated with an OR of 0.66 and dietary intake of phosphorus was associated with an OR of 0.49. In smokers, vitamin E intake (highest vs lowest quartile) was associated with an OR of 0.58, carotenoids were associated with an OR of 0.62, and niacin was associated with an OR of 0.66. In older adults, higher intakes of carotenoids, vitamin D, thiamin, niacin, and vitamin E were all inversely associated with bladder cancer risk. The authors conclude, "Our findings suggest further investigation of the effect of vitamin E, carotenoids, vitamin D, thiamin, and niacin on bladder cancer risk may be warranted. Future studies should focus on high risk groups such as heavy smokers and older individuals."   Reference:    'Minerals and vitamins and the risk of bladder cancer: results from the New Hampshire Study,' Brinkman MT, Karagas MR, et al, Cancer Causes Control, 2009 Dec 31; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Cancer Epidemiology Centre, The Cancer Council Victoria, 1 Rathdowne Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia. E-mail: Maree.Brinkman@cancervic.org.au ).