VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS TO PREVENT CANCER: FOLIC ACID

Folic acid is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the genetic material of cells. It plays a vital role in the growth and reproduction of all body cells, maintaining the genetic code, regulating cell division and transferring inherited characteristics from one cell to another.

Maintaining the health of our genetic material found within cells (DNA and RNA) is essential in preventing dangerous changes in cells that can lead to cancer formation. Unfortunately, folic acid deficiency is rife in most countries around the world and likewise the incidence of cancer is also rising. This is not to say that lack of folic acid is the cause of a higher rate of cancer in the world; more so, that a number of different nutrient deficiencies are reducing our body’s ability to cope with an overload of cancer promoters in today’s modern world.

Folic acid deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Diets low in vegetables, frequent alcohol and prescription drug use, and the sensitivity of folate to light and heat contribute to this widespread deficiency. When folate intake is inadequate, levels in serum fall, levels in red blood cells also fall, homocystine concentrations rise and finally, changes in the blood cell-producing bone marrow and other rapidly dividing cells occur.

Folic acid increases the body’s production of white blood cells and helps to defend against cancer. Cigarette smokers who have a high intake of foods rich in folic acid Eke dark green leafy vegetables are able to prevent injury to lung tissue and retard the development of lung cancer. Giving l0000mcg of folic acid and 500mcg of vitamin B12 daily may prevent pre-cancerous changes in bronchial tissue for regular tobacco smokers.

A deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12 makes a person more susceptible to carcinogens. Folic acid protects against birth defects. It also protects against cancerous changes in cervix cells. Low levels of folic causes a woman to be more susceptible to human papilloma virus, which is believed to also cause cervical cancer. This condition tends to improve after being given folic acid. A deficiency of folic acid is associated with cervical dysplasia, a precursor of cancer of the cervix.

Research around the world suggests that there may be a connection between low folate levels and colon cancer. It is thought that men with a high alcohol, low folate and low protein diet are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer than men who consume low amounts of alcohol and who eat a diet rich in folate and protein.

Folic acid is found in most vegetables and fruits.

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