NEWS B6 DEFICIENCY MAY DRIVE UP COLORECTAL CANCER RISK Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women worldwide. Identifying modifiable dietary factors is essential to developing primary prevention strategies. Growing evidence indicates that vitamin B-6 may influence colorectal cancer risk in multiple ways, including a reduction of inflammation, cell proliferation and oxidative stress. New research using data from the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study followed 613 cases from 1985 to 2009, during which time, concentrations of the vitamin B-6 marker, pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) (the active form of vitamin B-6), were measured along with associated markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Results revealed a clear association between vitamin B-6 deficiency and colorectal cancer risk, with indications of a role in tumour progression rather than initiation. These are significant findings, highlighting that vitamin B-6 shortfalls may be increasing both the risk and proliferation of the disease. Continued research is worthy of further exploration in this important area of work. For more information, see: Gylling B et al (2017). American Journal
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of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 105. No 4, pg: 897-904
DRINKING SOFT DRINKS IN PREGNANCY LEADS TO BIGGER BABIES The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults and children has reached alarming proportions over the last few decades. Whilst clear associations have been established between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and risks for obesity, diabetes and heart disease amongst the adult population, the outcome of intakes during pregnancy and the effect upon body mass index and body composition during early years remains unclear. Using data from The Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort from foetal life onward examined the data of 3,312 mother-child pairs from pregnancy up to six years of age. Sugar-containing beverage intake was assessed during the first trimester, with a food-frequency questionnaire. Children’s anthropometric data and BMI measurements were collected repeatedly up to six years of age when both fat mass and fat-free mass were measured. Results revealed the mother’s total sugar-containing beverage intake was associated with children’s higher body mass index and final fat mass measurements. These are important findings and, whilst further studies are needed to reconfirm the results, the evidence suggests that strategies focusing upon childhood obesity can track right back to pregnancy. For more information, see: Jen V et al (2017). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 105. No 4, pg: 834-841 www.NHDmag.com June 2017 - Issue 125
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