Cancer Folate may help protect against colorectal cancer
By David Liu, Ph.D.
Sep 3, 2008 - 9:31:13 PM
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THURSDAY September 3, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study
suggests that sufficient intake of folate may help protect against DNA damage
in colon cells which would otherwise lead to the formation of cancer
ultimately.
The study conducted by researchers in the UK and the
Incell Corporation in San Antonio, Texas and published in the Journal of
Proteome Research showed that low levels of folate affect proteins which play a
role in the development of cancer.
For the study, the researchers cultured a cell line in media
with and without sufficient folate and found the vitamin affected proteins
involved in proliferation, DNA repair, programmed cell death or apoptosis and
those associated with the transformation of cells into malignancies.
Folate is found mostly in green leafy vegetables and some
beans like chick peas, lima bean and lentils among others. Its well known
benefit is reducing the risk of neural tube defects in infants. Because of this
benefit, this vitamin is often supplemented in processed food such as wheat
products such as breakfast cereal.
Early studies have suggested adequate dietary intake of
folate may help prevent sperm abnormalities, reduce stroke risk in male
smokers, protect against liver cancer and pancreatic cancer and reduce risk of
Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment.
The current recommended daily allowance for adults is 400
micrograms of folate per day, which is found in about one and half cups of
cooked spinach.