Most Cancer Patients are Vitamin Deficient

A study done in my medical oncology practice revealed that close to one of every three and seven of every 10 patients with cancer are deficient of vitamin B12 and vitamin D respectively. This is important because a deficiency of these vitamins has been associated with a higher incidence of cancer and replacement of vitamin D in some patients with cancer has been associated with a decrease in tumor growth. This work is to appear at the end of January 2007 in the International Journal of Nutrition and Cancer.

We are currently using this information in treating patients with advanced prostate cancer with both chemotherapy and large doses of vitamin D. Other patients with cancer are closely monitored with serum vitamin levels as they are treated with vitamin replacement therapy. We believe that restoring vitamin metabolism to normal may be of value for patients undergoing observation and therapy. The importance of vitamin D and B12 in maintaining bone strength, immunity and bone marrow function is well documented. The very high frequency of deficiency of these vitamins is not well documented.

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