Prostate Cancer - Folic Acid Supplements Have Benefits Or Risks

There is growing proof that folic acid (folate) thatlevels have been proven to play a part in the
taken in high doses does not protect against cancerprevention of some cancers, and cardiovascular and
and possibly will even promote particular cancers. It isneurological diseases, the vitamin's effect on prostate
a B vitamin discovered in lots of vegetables, fruits,cancer risk remains uncertain.
beans, and whole grains. Despite the fact that proofCurrently, in the United States Dietary sources of
of its ability to decrease neural tube defects infolic acid include cereals and other grain products.
infants while taken by the mother before or as longSince 1996, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
as pregnancy has been well documented, but itshas demanded folate enrichment of those foods, in
effects on other circumstances are uncertain.part to decrease the incidence of birth defects
Men who took folic acid supplements faced morehaving an effect on development of the central
than twice the risk of prostate cancer as individualsnervous system.
who didn't receive the supplements, a 10-year studySupplementary folate shows to increase risk of
has found. But according to a report in the March 10advanced polyps in the colon. Up to now, studies
online issue of the Journal of the National Cancerhave found contradictory results of folic acid
Institute, the incidence of cancer of prostate in thesupplements on prostate cancer risk. It delivers lots
study was fairly lower in men who only got enoughof advantages. But that doesn't signify all its effects
amounts of folate in their diet.are useful.
Some researchers said that even if adequate folate