Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, ranking as the third most common cancer and accounting for 10% of all cancer diagnoses worldwide¹. It's also one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, with nearly 1 million lives lost annually¹.

While advancements in screening and treatment have significantly improved outcomes for older adults, the incidence of CRC among younger adults has been rising steadily over the past few decades, presenting new challenges for prevention and care².

Despite its widespread impact, there's still much to learn about the underlying factors that drive CRC progression, particularly the role of nutrition. Micronutrient imbalances, which affect immune function, antioxidant defenses, and cellular health, may play a critical role. Understanding these connections could lead to more effective approaches for prevention, early detection, and treatment.

A new study led by researchers at Vibrant Wellness and published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology provides fresh insights into how micronutrient imbalances influence CRC. The study reveals key differences in the nutrient profiles of CRC patients compared to healthy individuals, highlighting the potential of micronutrient profiling to inform personalized care strategies and improve outcomes.

In this article, we'll dig into the findings from Vibrant Wellness’s groundbreaking study on micronutrient imbalances in colorectal cancer patients, examine their implications for research and patient care, and discuss how these insights can inform personalized strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Table of Contents

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum, parts of the digestive tract responsible for absorbing nutrients and expelling waste. Most cases begin as polyps—abnormal growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum—that can become cancerous over time if not detected and removed.

CRC affects both men and women, primarily those over the age of 50, although cases in younger adults are rising. Risk factors include²:

• Diet and Lifestyle: Diets high in processed meats and fat, coupled with low fruit and vegetable intake, may increase CRC risk. Rising obesity rates, sedentary behavior, and declining physical activity also contribute to the prevalence of early-onset CRC.
• Gut Microbiome and Inflammation: Changes in the gut microbiome, driven by diet, obesity, or antibiotic use, may play a role. Certain gut bacteria produce toxins that promote inflammation and tumor growth, potentially accelerating CRC development.
• Environmental Exposures: Chemicals in air, water, food, and soil may increase cancer risk. Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals, known as "obesogens," can affect metabolism and gut health, compounding other risk factors.
• Genetics: Only 10–20% of early-onset CRC cases are linked to inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome, suggesting that environmental and lifestyle factors play a more significant role in this population.

Study Overview

The Vibrant Wellness research team collaborated with leading institutions in Italy and India to analyze serum levels of 29 micronutrients in CRC patients and healthy controls. The study included:

• 13 CRC patients 
• 10 healthy controls (blood donors) from the same hospital

Advanced analytical tools, including Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS), provided precise measurements of vitamins, trace metals, and amino acids.

Key Findings: Micronutrient Imbalances in CRC Patients

The study revealed significant differences in micronutrient levels between CRC patients and healthy controls:

Elevated Micronutrient Levels in CRC Patients

• Copper: Copper levels were markedly higher in CRC patients and strongly associated with tumor size and cancer staging (pTNM). Elevated copper may contribute to oxidative stress and tumor cell metabolism.
• Arginine and Cysteine: These amino acids were elevated, reflecting the increased metabolic demands of tumor cells.

Reduced Micronutrient Levels in CRC Patients

• Zinc: Zinc emerged as a robust diagnostic biomarker, perfectly distinguishing CRC cases from healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Zinc deficiency may impair antioxidant defenses and immune function and was linked to lymph node involvement in CRC staging.
• Selenium and Chromium: These trace elements were significantly lower in CRC patients, suggesting reduced antioxidant capacity.
• Vitamin B1, K1, and A: These essential vitamins were also deficient, potentially impacting energy metabolism, antioxidant activity, and cellular repair.

pTNM Staging and Micronutrient Correlations

The study utilized the pathological TNM (pTNM) staging system to classify cancer severity based on tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M). Key findings included:

• Copper: Elevated copper levels correlated with higher pTNM stages, suggesting its role in tumor progression and metastasis.
• Zinc: Deficiency was associated with lymph node involvement, highlighting its importance as a prognostic marker.

Implications for Research and Patient Care

This research reinforces the critical role of micronutrient profiling in understanding and managing colorectal cancer (CRC), highlighting actionable opportunities for improving patient care and guiding future research:

Clinical Insights

Zinc levels emerged as a standout marker, showing exceptional accuracy in distinguishing CRC cases from healthy controls. This finding positions zinc as a potential non-invasive biomarker for CRC assessment. Its diagnostic potential could simplify early detection and support more accurate staging, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Integrating micronutrient testing into routine clinical evaluations could offer a valuable tool for identifying high-risk individuals, particularly those with underlying deficiencies or metabolic imbalances.

Therapeutic Approaches

Addressing the identified micronutrient imbalances opens the door to novel therapeutic approaches. Specifically:

• Zinc Replenishment: Enhancing zinc levels may improve antioxidant capacity and bolster immune defenses, potentially slowing disease progression. Zinc's role in cell signaling and DNA repair further underscores its therapeutic value.
• Selenium and Vitamin Restoration: Correcting selenium, vitamin B1, K1, and A deficiencies may enhance oxidative stress management, cellular repair, and overall metabolic health, creating a less favorable environment for tumor growth.
• Copper Modulation: Elevated copper levels were closely linked to tumor severity, making copper-lowering therapies a potential avenue for reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.

Personalized nutrient supplementation and dietary interventions tailored to individual patient profiles could complement existing cancer treatments, improving outcomes and reducing recurrence rates.

Broader Research Opportunities

This preliminary study provides a foundation for broader research on the role of micronutrients in CRC. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to:

• Validate the utility of zinc as a biomarker across diverse populations and cancer stages.
• Explore the mechanistic pathways linking nutrient imbalances to tumor growth and metastasis.
• Assess the long-term efficacy and safety of nutrient-based therapies, such as zinc supplementation and copper chelation.
• Investigate how demographic and lifestyle factors influence micronutrient profiles in CRC patients.

Additionally, future research could examine how integrating micronutrient profiling with other diagnostic modalities, such as genetic and metabolic testing, may offer a more comprehensive approach to cancer care.

The Role of Micronutrient Testing in Research and Care

This study underscores the importance of precise micronutrient assessment in understanding CRC progression and guiding potential interventions. Vibrant Wellness applies the same rigor seen in this research to its clinical tools, such as the Vibrant Micronutrient Panel.

The Vibrant Micronutrient Panel evaluates over 40 essential nutrients, providing insights into intra and extracellular levels of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. This comprehensive approach helps healthcare providers understand nutrient imbalances that may contribute to chronic conditions, including cancer. By identifying deficiencies and imbalances, providers can create personalized care plans to optimize health and support disease management.

Learn more about how the Vibrant Micronutrient Panel supports patient care in the Micronutrient Panel Interpretive Guide.

Looking Ahead

Though preliminary, these findings emphasize the critical role of micronutrient imbalances in CRC progression and the potential for nutrient-focused interventions. Vibrant Wellness continues to lead research efforts in personalized care, bridging the gap between advanced diagnostics and actionable health strategies.

For the complete findings, read the full study in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology.

References

1. Morgan E, Arnold M, Gini A, Lorenzoni V, Cabasag CJ, Laversanne M, Vignat J, Ferlay J, Murphy N, Bray F. Global burden of colorectal cancer in 2020 and 2040: Incidence and mortality estimates from GLOBOCAN. Gut. 2023;72(1):338-346. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327152.

2. National Cancer Institute. Why is colorectal cancer rising rapidly among young adults? Published November 5, 2020. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/colorectal-cancer-rising-younger-adults#:~:text=Nearly%2018%2C000%20people%20under%20the,American%20Indian%2C%20and%20White%20people%20.

3. Hari K, Squitti R, Bosco J, Jayaraman V, Krishna K, Pal A, De Luca A, Di Veroli L, Mastromoro G, Rizzo G, Tondolo V, Rongioletti M. Classification of colorectal cancer patients based on serum micronutrients: An exploratory investigation. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2024;80:127564. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127564.

Regulatory Statements:

Limitations 
Please note that the information provided by Vibrant Wellness is intended solely for research and informational purposes to help inform lifestyle choices aimed at potential risk mitigation. The information is not intended to be used by the patient for any diagnostic purpose and is not a substitute for medical advice by a healthcare practitioner. Please consult a licensed healthcare practitioner for any questions regarding the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or impairment of, or the assessment of the health of, human beings. The tests listed on the web page titled “New York State Approved Tests” can be used for diagnostic purposes as per their intended use.   

Disclaimer 
Please note that the information provided by Vibrant Wellness is intended solely for research and informational purposes to help inform lifestyle choices aimed at potential risk mitigation. The tests were developed, and their performance characteristics were determined by Vibrant America and Vibrant Genomics. They have not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CLIA) as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. The laboratory is also in compliance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) regulations. The tests listed on the web page titled “New York State Approved Tests” are cleared by the FDA and also comply with the New York State Department of Health regulations.