Two recent studies have suggested a strong correlation between maternal use of multivitamins and the reduced incidence of a number of childhood cancers.

The first study obtained information about vitamin supple- mentation during pregnancy for 538 case mothers and 504 control mothers. Daily vitamin and mineral use was associated with 30–40% reduction in the risk of neuroblastoma, that is, tumours of nervous system origin.

The second study examined the risk of childhood acute lympho- blastic leukemia (ALL) associated with medication and vitamin use. Medications such as amphetamines, diet pills, antihistamines, allergic medications and mind-altering drugs increased the risk for ALL.