Some dietary supplements may have beneficial role in colorectal cancer risk

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Patients are increasingly using dietary supplements in countries where colorectal cancer is prevalent.

In a systematic literature review and meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies on dietary supplement use and colorectal cancer risk, researchers identified 24 papers on the relationship between cancer risk and supplement use.

Their findings suggest a beneficial role for multivitamins and calcium supplements, but the association with other supplements, including vitamin D, vitamin E, garlic, and folic acid, and colorectal cancer risk is inconsistent. Inconsistencies were also found between colon cancer risk and supplemental vitamins A and C.

However, the researchers note that confounding lifestyle factors may be present, and further assessments of dietary supplement use are needed before recommendations can be made.