An atlas of associations between 14 micronutrients and 22 cancer outcomes: Mendelian randomization analyses.

Summary

This Mendelian randomization atlas examined causal associations between 14 micronutrients and 22 cancer outcomes using genome-wide association summary statistics from 940,633 European descent participants. Two associations achieved statistical significance after multiple testing correction: increased magnesium levels associated with higher breast cancer risk (OR 1.281 per SD) and increased vitamin B12 levels with higher colorectal cancer risk (OR 1.22 per SD). The findings suggest inconsistent effects of micronutrients across cancer types, with no overall association between micronutrient levels and general cancer risk.

Regional applicability

The study used data from the UK Biobank and FinnGen cohorts, so findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom populations of European descent. However, the genetic associations may have limited transferability to non-European ancestry populations, and clinical translation to dietary recommendations requires consideration of observational evidence and mechanistic context.

Key measures

Odds ratios for cancer risk per 1 standard deviation increase in genetically predicted micronutrient levels; 672 MR tests across 14 micronutrients and 48 cancer outcomes

Outcomes reported

The study estimated causal effects of 14 genetically predicted micronutrient levels on 22 cancer outcomes (overall and site-specific cancers) using Mendelian randomization. Two associations met Bonferroni significance: higher magnesium levels increased breast cancer risk, and higher vitamin B12 levels increased colorectal cancer risk.

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