Supplements and cancer

How an overdose of vitamins can also be a risk factor

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RECENT STUDIES HAVE observed that high Vitamin B12 levels are associated with increased risk of cancer. What does this mean for people who consume supplements without proper advice?

Dr Bhuvan Chugh, lead consultant, medical oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, says: "The first thing to understand is that a high Vitamin B12 level does not automatically mean that Vitamin B12 causes cancer. In many people, an elevated B12 level may be a marker of something else happening in the body, such as recent injections or tablets, liver disease, kidney disease, inflammatory conditions, blood disorders, or an undiagnosed illness. Supplements should not be taken as a lifestyle habit without a clear need. Many people take B12 or multivitamins for tiredness, energy, immunity, or general wellness, without testing. With a genuine deficiency, B12 replacement is important, but repeated high-dose tablets or injections without indication can lead to persistently high blood levels and may make clinical interpretation more difficult. The practical rule is: supplements should correct a deficiency, not become a mindless habit."

Vitamin B is water-soluble. Does the body not flush out extra amounts?