Study: Folate Supplements Helpful for Those at High Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Irish researchers report that a small study suggests that giving folate supplements to people at high risk of colorectal cancer can reduce mucosal cell proliferation, which is believed to increase cancer risk.

The researchers reported in the journal GUT on their study of 11 patients with recurrent adenomatous polyps of the colon, which if left untreated frequently develop into colorectal cancer.

Six members of the study group received a dietary supplement of 2 mg folic acid per day for three months, while the other five received a placebo.

After twelve weeks, the researchers reported a significant drop in the proliferation of pre-cancerous cells in the patients in the group receiving the folate supplement, but no significant change in cell proliferation in the control group.

"These data indicate that folate supplementation decreases colonic mucosal cell proliferation in a high risk group for colon cancer," the researchers concluded.

Other sources: GUT