DNA Damage From Micronutrient Deficiencies is Likely to be a Major Cause of Cancer (Mutat Res. 2001 Apr 18;475(1-2):7-20)

By Dr. Bruce Ames of the University of California, Berkeley (Dr. Ames is a leading expert in Molecular Toxicology and Nutrition).

ABSTRACT

DNA damage from micronutrient deficiencies is likely to be a major cause of cancer. A Deficiency of any of the micronutrients: folic acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, iron, or zinc, mimics radiation in damaging DNA by causing single- and double-strand breaks, oxidative lesions, or both. For example, the percentage of the US population that has a low intake (<50% of the RDA) for each of these eight micronutrients ranges from 2 to >20%. A level of folate deficiency causing chromosome breaks was present in approximately 10% of the US population, and in a much higher percentage of the poor. Folate deficiency causes extensive incorporation of uracil into human DNA (4 million/cell), leading to chromosomal breaks. This mechanism is the likely cause of the increased colon cancer risk associated with low folate intake.

Some evidence, and mechanistic considerations, suggest that Vitamin B12 (14% US elderly) and B6 (10% of US) deficiencies also cause high uracil and chromosome breaks. Micronutrient deficiency may explain, in good part, why the quarter of the population that eats the fewest fruits and vegetables (five portions a day is advised) has about double the cancer rate for most types of cancer when compared to the quarter with the highest intake. For example, 80% of American children and adolescents and 68% of adults do not eat five portions a day.

Conclusion

Optimizing micronutrient intake (through better diets, fortification of foods, or multivitamin-mineral supplements) can have a major impact on public health at low cost. Other micronutrients are likely to be added to the list of those whose deficiency causes DNA damage in the coming years. Tuning-up human metabolism, which varies with genetic constitution and changes with age, is likely to be a major way to minimize DNA damage, improve health and prolong healthy lifespan.

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Recommended Supplements (minimum for cancer patients):

 USANA Essentials (Mega Antioxidant - 3 daily and Chelated Minerals - 3 daily)

 Proflavanol 90 - 3 tablets daily

 Coquinone 30 - 6 capsules daily (may reduce to 4 per day if there is no evidence of metastasis)

 Poly C - 3 tablets daily

 Active Calcium - 6 tablets daily

 Optomega - 2 tsp. daily

 Fibergy

 Nutrameal