Iron supplements: Influence the development of colon cancer

According to a new study, two common iron compounds increase the formation of a known biomarker for cancer. The two compounds, ferric citrate and ferric EDTA, are often used in dietary supplements and as a food additive respectively, in worldwide markets. Ferric citrate and ferric EDTA have both previously been shown to worsen tumour formation with colon cancer as per research. The effect of normal supplemental doses of these compounds on two types of cultured human colon cancer cells have done. As a comparison, they measured the effects of ferrous sulphate, another very ordinarily available iron compound. While ferrous sulphate had no effect, both ferric citrate and ferric EDTA caused an increase in cellular levels of amphiregulin, a biomarker for cancer. This was the case even at low doses.

                                                 

                               

It can be concluded that ferric citrate and ferric EDTA might be carcinogenic, as they both increment the formation of amphiregulin, a known cancer marker most frequently related with long-term cancer with poor prognosis. Nowadays there are numerous diverse types of iron supplements on the market. These can be based on at least 20 different iron compounds, and sold beneath a wide run of brands. Ferric sulfate is one of the most common, but ferric citrate, which is said to be gentler for the stomach, is too broadly accessible in stores and online. It is moreover more effectively absorbed by the body through foods such as granary bread, beans and nuts. But for customers looking to make an educated choice, it can frequently be difficult to know what precisely they are buying. This increases the risk of colon cancer in people.

Iron is also added to some foods, to combat iron deficiency. Ferric EDTA is approved as a fortifying agent in USA as well as EU. It is also used in countries such as China, Pakistan, Brazil, Mexico and The Philippines, where it is added to flour and powdered drinks. Additionally, it is present in certain medicines for children with low iron levels in countries such as the UK and France.

                                                 

                         

Most of the iron that the body needs is obtained through food such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. But sometimes this is not enough. Pregnant women may need additional iron, as well as people who have lost blood or have low haemoglobin levels for other reasons. In patients with kidney disease, high doses of iron may be needed to bind phosphates into the bloodstream.