Several research studies have shown that people with cancer are often deficient in several different minerals. These inefficiencies have been found with many different types of cancer. Often times this related to gut health and a poor diet. The following is a short segment on this topic from the book, Cancer: Improving Your Odds.

Within the range of magnesium intake studied, each 100 mg less of magnesium consumed resulted in an additional 24% increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer. Again, who wouldn’t want to lower their risk of pancreatic cancer by 48% (or more) simply by adding more magnesium-rich foods to their diet? This shows that consuming at least the RDA (or DV) of magnesium each day is vitally important.

“Compared with those who met the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium intake, the multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for pancreatic cancer were 1.42 (0.91, 2.21) for those with magnesium intake in the range of 75–99% RDA and 1.76 (1.04, 2.96) for those with magnesium intake <75% RDA. Every 100 mg per day decrement in magnesium intake was associated with a 24% increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer” – PubMed ID#PMC4705892 (2015)

I find the following study very interesting. Rather than just looking at one mineral, such as manganese, it looked at 13. What they found was women with breast cancer had lower levels of all 13 minerals when compared to women without breast cancer! They were especially deficient in cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn).

“In conclusion, there was a significant difference in concentrations of all 13 elements in serum between breast cancer patients and controls. A combination among Cd, Mn, Fe, Cr, and Zn might be important to determine a differentiating reference for breast cancers if a long-term followed-up study is to be conducted.” – PubMed ID#17114811 (2006)