You may have heard that supplementation with folic acid increases risk of colorectal cancer.

Before you do anything rash – like avoid the proven benefits of folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) – let’s put that question of cancer risk in perspective.

Some research has noted a slight increase in rates of colorectal cancer in the years since folic acid fortification programs began. But these studies only suggest a link. Don’t mistake that for conclusive evidence.

A new placebo-controlled clinical trial from Harvard digs deeper and produces helpful insights.

The Harvard team tested 1 mg of folic acid daily, versus placebo, in subjects with recurrent colorectal tumors. Intervention lasted at least three years – more than six years for some subjects.

Results: For those with adequate blood levels of folate, supplementation neither reduced nor increased tumor risk. But in subjects with low folate levels at the beginning of the study, risk of tumor recurrence was cut by nearly 40 percent.

Talk to your doctor before supplementing with folic acid. Remember, though, that cereal, bread and other grain products are fortified with folic acid, so you’re probably already getting some in your diet.

Folate can be found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables, avocados, bananas, asparagus, chicken liver, whole grains, and pinto, navy, and kidney beans.

And as HSI members know, the proven health rewards for adequate folate intake are many: hearth health, reduced stroke risk, and prevention of depression and cognitive decline.

To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson

Source:
“Folic Acid and Colon Cancer: Some Benefits and No Harm” Stephen Daniells, NutraIngredients-USA, 10/30/09, nutraingredients-usa.com

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