Study: New Evidence Folate Helps Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk

Another study, this one conducted by Italian researchers, has provided new support for the thesis that a diet rich in folate helps lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

Reporting in the International Journal of Cancer on a study of 1,953 patients with colorectal cancer and 4,154 disease-free patients, the researchers said those diagnosed with colorectal cancer tended to have diets containing less folate and methionine, and were heavier drinkers of alcohol, than patients who were cancer free.

They said that the colorectal cancer risk for those reporting high alcohol, low methione and low folate intake was 80 percent higher than for those reporting low alcohol, high methionine and high folate intake.

The main sources of folate for the study participants were green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and liver.

"The present findings support a favorable role of folate in colorectal carcinogenesis," the researchers concluded.

Other Sources: International Journal of Cancer