Vitamin B Supplementation Has no effect on Cancer Rates http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/300/17/2012?rss=1 The latest JAMA reports that a randomized controlled trial in women found no reduction in the rates of invasive cancer. As part of the Women's Antioxidant and Folic acid Cardiovascular Study 5442 health professionals were followed for 7.3 years. In the experimental group the participants received folic acid vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 supplementation. There was a matched control group. There was no statistical difference in either group with the incidence of invasive cancer breast cancer or cancer deaths. This study is well designed and a prospective randomized trial. However the participants already had preexisting cardiovascular disease or 3 or more risk factors. It would be interesting to have a similar study in a low risk population. Clearly this study does not support the use of these vitamin supplements to reduce cancer risk. However there are other known benefits of B vitamins and the overall message of well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in B vitamins should be underscored.