Men who take more vitamin B6 and women who drink more coffee are less likely to develop colorectal cancer, according to a survey by Japan's Ministry of Health and Labor.
The survey lasted for more than ten years. The researchers found that among men, those who consumed more vitamin B6 were 30 to 40 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those with the lowest intake. On the other hand, women who drank more than three cups of coffee a day had a 56% lower risk of colon cancer than women who drank little coffee.
The team believes that the men's and women's other findings are related to men's habits such as drinking. Rice, fish and other rich vitamin B6 can prevent alcohol from causing cancer, so the anti-cancer effect of vitamin B6 can be shown in men who drink more alcohol. Coffee can inhibit the concentration of bile acid in the intestines, thereby preventing cancer, but in men, this effect is offset by their drinking and smoking habits.
