High Levels Of Folate Intake Are Associated With Reduced Colorectal Cancer Risk

U.S researchers who analyzed eight years of data from a large (nearly 100,000 participants) cancer prevention study found an association between consuming high levels of the water-soluble B vitamin known as folate and a reduction in colorectal cancer risk. Folate occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables and other foods, and is also available as folic acids in supplements. The researchers found that the best results came from total folate and folic acid intake, from both natural and fortified foods, and from supplements. The study period was from 1999 to 2007, after folate fortification began. Researchers found neither higher nor lower risk of cancer during the first two years of follow-up (1999 to 2001), but found statistically significantly reductions in colorectal cancer during the subsequent years (2002 to 2007).