 |
|
Folic acid, B vitamins do not appear to affect cancer risk
November 05, 2008A daily supplementation combination that included folic acid and vitamin B6 and B12 had no significant effect on the overall risk of cancer, including breast cancer, among women at high risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study in the November 5 issue of JAMA.
Folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 (water-soluble, essential B vitamins) are thought to play an important role in cancer prevention. "Background fortification of the food supply with folic acid (a synthetic form of folate), a policy that began in the United States in 1998 to reduce risk of neural tube defects, has improved folate status in the general population. Approximately one-third of U.S. adults currently take multivitamin supplements containing folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12," the authors write. Data from randomized trials of folic acid alone or in combination with B vitamins and cancer risk are limited, not entirely consistent, and one trial has even raised concerns about harmful effects.
Shumin M. Zhang, M.D., Sc.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, and colleagues conducted a trial to evaluate the effect of combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 treatment on cancer risk in women at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study included 5,442 U.S. female health professionals age 42 years or older, with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or three or more coronary risk factors, who were randomly assigned to receive either a daily combination (n = 2,721) of folic acid (2.5 mg.), vitamin B6 (50 mg.), and vitamin B12 (1 mg.) or a matching placebo (n = 2,721). They were treated for 7.3 years, from April 1998 through July 2005.
"A total of 379 women developed invasive cancer (187 in the active treatment group and 192 in the placebo group)," the authors write. "Compared with placebo, women receiving the active treatment had similar risk of developing total invasive cancer, breast cancer, or any cancer death." There were no differences according to current use of multivitamin supplements, intakes of total folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, or history of cancer at baseline. Lack of effect for total invasive cancer did not vary over time.
Age significantly modified the effect of combined B vitamin treatment on risk of total invasive cancer and breast cancer. A significantly reduced risk was observed for total invasive cancer and breast cancer among women age 65 years or older at study entry, but no reductions in risk were observed among younger women (40-54 years or 55-64 years).
"If the finding is real and substantiated, the results may have public health significance because the incidence rates of cancer are high in elderly persons. The finding is biologically plausible because elderly individuals have increased requirements for these B vitamins," the authors write.
"In conclusion, treatment with combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 provided neither beneficial nor harmful effects on overall risk of total cancer, breast cancer, or deaths from cancer among women at high risk for CVD."
JAMA and Archives Journals
"A total of 379 women developed invasive cancer (187 in the active treatment group and 192 in the placebo group)," the authors write. "Compared with placebo, women receiving the active treatment had similar risk of developing total invasive cancer, breast cancer, or any cancer death." There were no differences according to current use of multivitamin supplements, intakes of total folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, or history of cancer at baseline. Lack of effect for total invasive cancer did not vary over time.
Age significantly modified the effect of combined B vitamin treatment on risk of total invasive cancer and breast cancer. A significantly reduced risk was observed for total invasive cancer and breast cancer among women age 65 years or older at study entry, but no reductions in risk were observed among younger women (40-54 years or 55-64 years).
"If the finding is real and substantiated, the results may have public health significance because the incidence rates of cancer are high in elderly persons. The finding is biologically plausible because elderly individuals have increased requirements for these B vitamins," the authors write.
"In conclusion, treatment with combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 provided neither beneficial nor harmful effects on overall risk of total cancer, breast cancer, or deaths from cancer among women at high risk for CVD."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Folic Acid Current Events and Folic Acid News RSSMortality Rates Reduced among Children Whose Mothers Received Iron-folic Acid Supplements
Offspring whose mothers had been supplemented with iron-folic acid during pregnancy had dramatically reduced mortality through age 7, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
News brief: Effects of aspirin and folic acid on inflammation markers for colorectal adenomas
Unexpectedly, inflammation markers do not appear to be involved with the chemopreventative effect of aspirin on colorectal adenomas, according to a brief communication published online October 12 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Essential nutrient found in eggs may help lower risk of neural tube defects
Research published online in the journal Epidemiology found that higher levels of total blood choline are associated with a 2.5-fold reduction in risk for neural tube birth defects (NTDs).
Anti-epilepsy drug risk on cognitive function for unborn children
Interim results of a study being conducted by scientists at the University of Liverpool suggest that children aged three years and younger, who are born to women taking the anti-epileptic drug sodium valproate whilst pregnant, are likely to have an IQ of six to nine points lower than average.
Irish-led research team rule out link between specific antibodies and spina bifida
New research, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that a woman's risk of having a child with a neural tube defect (NTD), such as Spina Bifida, is not linked to folic acid related auto-antibodies.
Brain malformations significantly associated with preterm birth, Wake Forest research shows
New research out of Wake Forest University School of Medicine provides for the first time a solid scientific answer for the long-standing question of whether there is an association between preterm birth and brain malformations.
UCF researcher's nanoparticles could someday lead to end of chemotherapy
Nanoparticles specially engineered by University of Central Florida Assistant Professor J. Manuel Perez and his colleagues could someday target and destroy tumors, sparing patients from toxic, whole-body chemotherapies.
Some neural tube defects in mice linked to enzyme deficiency
Women of childbearing age can reduce the risk of having a child born with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida by eating enough folate or folic acid. However, folate prevents only about 70 percent of these defects.
Folic acid to prevent congenital heart defects
The Canadian policy of fortifying grain products with folic acid has already proved to be effective in preventing neural tube defects.
Taking folic acid for a year before pregnancy may reduce risk of preterm birth
Women who take folic acid supplements for at least one year before they become pregnant may cut their risk of having a premature baby by half, according to research published this week in the online journal, PLoS Medicine.
More Folic Acid Current Events and Folic Acid News Articles
 |
Spring Valley - Folic Acid 400 mcg, 250 Tablets by Schiff Nutrition International. Folic Acid is a B vitamin and is one of the factors involved with vitamin B-12 in the production of new red blood cells and the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the carriers of genetic information. |
 |
Spring Valley - Folic Acid 800 mcg, 250 Tablets by Nature's Bounty, Inc. Folic Acid is a B vitamin and is one of the factors involved with vitamin B-12 in the production of new red blood cells and the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the carriers of genetic information. |
 |
Nature Made Folic Acid 600 mcg with DHA - 300 Softgels by Nature Made Folic acid, also known as folate and folacin, is essential in cell division, DNA synthesis, and the manufacturing of brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters in the body. Without adequate levels of folic acid, cells do not divide properly. Folic acid is vital to the development of the nervous system of a fetus. A deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy has been linked to several birth defects, such as the neural tube defect spina bifida. Therefore, it is critical for women of child-bearing age to consume 400 mcg of folic acid per day. In addition, folic acid may also play a significant role in heart health. It does so by helping to keep homocysteine levels down in the blood. Homocysteine is a substance that formed when Vitamin B12 and folic acid levels are low, and research has indicated... |
 |
Nature Made Folic Acid Supplement, 400 mcg, 250-Count Tablets (Pack of 3) by Nature Made Nature Made Folic Acid 400mcg 3-pack/250-count |
 |
Country Life Folic Acid 800 mcg, 100 Tablets by Country Life Country Life Folic Acid 800 mcg, 100 tabs |
 |
Folic Acid 800 mcg 250 Caps by Swanson Premium Brand Vital nutrition for heart-health and more! Folic acid not only provides valuable protection for the cardiovascular system by helping control harmful homocysteine, it also plays an essential role in prenatal nutrition. According to the U.S. Public Health Service, a healthful diet supplying 400 mcg of folic acid per day may reduce a woman's risk of having a child with birth defects of the brain or spinal cord. Our convenient capsules are a great way to ensure that you get a healthy supply of folic acid every day. |
 |
TwinLab Folic Acid Caps, 800 mcg, 200 Capsules (Pack of 3) by Twinlab Dietary supplement. Crystalline pure. TwinLab Folic Acid Caps are easier to swallow and assimilate. Well tolerated by the most allergic individuals. No tablet binders, coatings or colorings. No added flavorings, sugars, salt, artificial sweeteners, colori |
 |
Source Naturals Folic Acid, 800 mcg, Tablets, 1000 tablets (Pack of 2) by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. Folic acid, along with Vitamin B-12, is required for the synthesis of DNA, the principal genetic material in the body. Because of this function, it is important in cell division and the healthy development and structure of red blood ce |
 |
Ortho Molecular Products - Folic Acid 5 mg - 120 Capsules by Ortho Molecular Products For many seeking high doses of Folic Acid, a Folic supplement containing 5 mg has been previously available only through prescription, even though Folic has never been a pharmacy-only ingredient. A required component for the conversion of Homocysteine to methionine, Folic Acid supplementation reduces Homocysteine levels as demonstrated in many clinical studies. Regardless of initial Homocysteine levels, increased folic acid supplementation (up to 800 mcg) has been shown in research to enhance an increased Homocysteine lowering effect. Those with higher initial Homocysteine levels had greater lowering effects with Folic Acid. Low levels of daily Folic Acid intake have been associated with high serum Homocysteine levels, especially in the elderly. Current research is showing that aggressive... |
 |
Folic Acid 400mcg - 90 - Veg/Cap by Bluebonnet FOLIC ACID 400 mcg. Vcaps Available in easy-to-swallow vegetable capsules for maximum assimilation and absorption. Product No. 449 - 90 Capsules. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |