“The potential protective health benefits of vitamin B9 are demonstrated in this large study. The study also found some promising findings about how folate might be influencing cancer risk, including different genes, but these need further exploration,” Tsilidis added.
In the largest study of its kind, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers analyzed data from over 70,000 individuals to identify genetic variants that may modify how dietary folate (vitamin B9), folic acid supplements, and total folate can influence the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).
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In line with previous studies, they found that people consuming higher levels of dietary folate, the odds of developing CRC (including proximal colon, distal colon, and rectal cancer) were reduced by 7 percent for every 260 micrograms higher consumption of dietary folate, which corresponds to 65 percent of the daily recommended amount (400 micrograms).
According to the authors, the findings support the hypothesis that folate may be effective for CRC prevention, even at regular levels of intake that can be achieved through the diet. The study also suggests folate might be influencing cancer risk, including different genes involved in modulating this risk. However, they stress the need for more research to pinpoint the genes involved and their influence.
Source: IANS
