Be careful of some forms of synthetic Folic Acid supplements--might cause cancer!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mar..._b_601126.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mar..._b_601126.html
Folic acid, the molecule that is used to fortify our food supply, is used in most studies and in most vitamins. It is a man-made, funny looking molecule -- a fully oxidized, synthetic chemical compound that seems to cause all the mischief. It costs less and is more stable than the nature-made form of this nutrient.
On the other hand, the nature-made form or forms, called "folates," do not seem to cause problems. This molecule is often found in foliage -- dark green leafy vegetables, hence the name folate. This can enter your normal biochemical pathways and gets properly metabolized. The folic acid may not be converted or metabolized by the body, increasing cancer and disease risk. The excess folic acid becomes oxidized and promotes free radical production and genetic instability leading to cancer and other disease.
Now it gets a bit more complicated. We are all biochemically individual and genetically unique, and about 35 percent of us have a genetic variation in a gene called MTHFR that helps neutralize the folic acid. If this doesn't work well, then more of the folic acid accumulates from the fortified food and supplements we consume. Those who have this gene are at increased risk of colon cancer because they produce more pre-cancerous colon polyps. In fact, high dose folate supplementation in these people reduced their risk of polyps. (iv)
On the other hand, the nature-made form or forms, called "folates," do not seem to cause problems. This molecule is often found in foliage -- dark green leafy vegetables, hence the name folate. This can enter your normal biochemical pathways and gets properly metabolized. The folic acid may not be converted or metabolized by the body, increasing cancer and disease risk. The excess folic acid becomes oxidized and promotes free radical production and genetic instability leading to cancer and other disease.
Now it gets a bit more complicated. We are all biochemically individual and genetically unique, and about 35 percent of us have a genetic variation in a gene called MTHFR that helps neutralize the folic acid. If this doesn't work well, then more of the folic acid accumulates from the fortified food and supplements we consume. Those who have this gene are at increased risk of colon cancer because they produce more pre-cancerous colon polyps. In fact, high dose folate supplementation in these people reduced their risk of polyps. (iv)
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