Friday, June 28, 2013

Folate and Cancer Risk

Folate and Cancer Risk


There is probable evidence that foods containing folate reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer and limited but suggestive evidence that they reduce the risk of oesophageal and bowel cancer.   

Cohort studies suggest that a high dietary folate intake may reduce the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer, particularly for women with a family history of breast cancer.

However, while inconclusive, some studies show that high intakes of folate appear to promote existing bowel adenoma (tumour of the glandular tissue in the bowel). While dietary folate (even from foods fortified with folic acid) may have no adverse effects, some studies suggest that the combined impact of folic acid from supplements and fortification could promote pre-existing adenomas.

No comments: