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Folate May Protect Against Colon CancerConsuming plenty of the vitamin folate may help prevent DNA damage in colon cells, which is linked to the development of colon cancer.
Folate More often known as folic acid, the form it appears in supplements, the vitamin folate is essential to human health.
Folate is required for the synthesis of the amino acid methionine from a compound called homocysteine; in folate defciency homocysteine levels can become elevated, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Methionine is required for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM, by donating its methyl component, has profound effects on the expression of genes. In addition the synthesis of DNA from its precursors (thymidine and purines) is dependent on folate.
Rapidly dividing cells are most vulnerable to the effects of folate deficiency, hence the link between folate insufficiency and neural tube defects. A type of anemia called megaloblastic, referring to the enlarged, immature red blood cells, develops with prolonged folate deficiency. Folate deficiency is widespread, particularly among teenagers, the institutionalized elderly and people on low incomes. The link between folate and cancer is strongest for colon cancer.
The Study Scientists grew human colon cells in either folate rich or folate depleted tissue. Folate depletion was found to inhibit DNA synthesis and repair and increase DNA damage, processes associated with the development of cancer. Folate deficiency also affected the activity of proteins implicated in the transformation of healthy colonic cells into cancerous cells.
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Folate is a vital vitamin. It is found in liver and liver products like pate, pulses and fresh fruit and vegetables, especially asparagus, strawberries, kiwis, sweet corn, oranges and leafy green vegetables. The recommended intake for adults in the UKis 200μg daily; women who are pregnant or intending to conceive are recommended to take supplements containing 400μg until the 12th week of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. |