Does folate reduce risk of colorectal cancer?

Introduction

Folate, a water-soluble B vitamin, plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and repair. Its potential impact on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk has been extensively studied, with varying conclusions. This synthesis aims to consolidate findings from multiple research papers to determine whether folate intake reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.

Key Insights

Inverse Association Between Folate Intake and CRC Risk:
- Higher dietary folate intake is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer .
- Folate intake from natural food sources shows a stronger protective effect compared to total folate intake, which includes supplements .
Impact of Folate Status and DNA Methylation:
- Low folate status is linked to increased risk of colorectal neoplasia due to DNA hypomethylation.
- High folate status is associated with decreased risk of colorectal cancer.
Timing and Dosage of Folate Intake:
- Folate intake 12-16 years before diagnosis is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer, suggesting the importance of long-term intake.
- Folate supplementation may have dual effects: it can be protective in normal tissues but may promote the progression of established neoplasms if taken in high doses or after neoplastic foci are established .
Folate and Alcohol Consumption:
- Increased folate intake may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in individuals with medium or high alcohol consumption .
No Significant Association with Supplementation:
- High levels of folate from supplements and fortification are not significantly associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- The use of multivitamin supplements containing folate does not show a significant relationship with colorectal cancer risk.

Conclusion

Overall, higher dietary folate intake appears to be inversely associated with the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly when consumed from natural food sources over a long period. The protective effect of folate is more pronounced in individuals with higher alcohol consumption. However, the timing and dosage of folate intake are critical, as excessive supplementation may have adverse effects. Therefore, while folate intake can be beneficial in reducing colorectal cancer risk, it should be approached with consideration of these factors.

Does folate reduce risk of colorectal cancer?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Folate, vitamin B6, multivitamin supplements, and colorectal cancer risk in women.

Higher dietary intakes of folate and vitamin B(6) may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in women, but multivitamin supplements do not show a significant association.

Folate intake and colorectal cancer risk: A meta‐analytical approach

Adequate folate intake may have a small protective effect against colorectal cancer, but confounding by other dietary factors cannot be ruled out.

Folate status, genomic DNA hypomethylation, and risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer: a case control study.

Low folate status and DNA hypomethylation are associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia, with high folate status decreasing the risk for cancer.

High levels of folate from supplements and fortification are not associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer.

High levels of total folate intake reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, while dietary fortification or supplementation with this vitamin does not increase the risk.

Folate intake and risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and up-to-date meta-analysis of prospective studies

High folate intake may reduce the risk of colon cancer, particularly in people with middle or high alcohol consumption, but further confirmation is needed.

Dietary folate, methionine, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 and risk of sporadic colorectal cancer.

High methionine intake may protect against proximal colon cancer in men and rectal cancer in women, while folate may not have a protective effect, and vitamin B-6 may increase rectal cancer risk in women.

Folate intake and risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma: modification by time.

Higher folate intake during early preadenoma stages is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

Folate and colorectal cancer: an evidence-based critical review.

Folate deficiency may inhibit colorectal cancer progression, but routine folic acid supplementation should not be recommended as a chemopreventive measure due to potential tumor-promoting effects.

Role of folate in colon cancer development and progression.

High dietary folate intake reduces colorectal cancer risk, but optimal timing and dose of folate intervention are crucial for safe and effective chemoprevention in humans.

Dietary folate and colorectal cancer

Higher folate intake may reduce colorectal cancer risk, especially when combined with low methionine and high alcohol consumption.

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