Prevention| MHC Home  
 

Prevention

Folate May Lower Risk of Breast Cancer
 

Good Sources
of Folic Acid
  • Oranges and orange juice
  • Leafy greens
  • Dry beans and peas
  • Asparagus
  • Cantaloupe
  • Papaya
  • Fortified breakfast cereals
  • And/or a vitamin pill

The daily recommended intake of folic acid is 400 mcg per day
Breast cancer is a health concern for most women. New research from the Nurses Health Study indicates that higher intakes of folic acid or folate (a B vitamin) appear to lower the risk for breast cancer1.

In women with a low intake of alcohol (or none) a high intake of folic acid reduced the risk of breast cancer by 28%. In those women who had a drink of alcohol daily, a high intake of folic acid lowered the risk of breast cancer by 89%. Alcohol normally raises the risk of breast cancer. It appears that folic acid helps counteract some of alcohol's risk. In this study, vitamin B6 and B12 also appeared to lower the risk of breast cancer (except in heavy alcohol drinkers).

We now have four good reasons to be sure we eat plenty of folic acid. Higher intakes reduce the risk for:

  • Breast cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Birth defects

 

 
 

References
1. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, March 5, 2003

Top


Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Copyrighted 2003 by PrevMedix LLC. All rights reserved. Do not make unauthorized copies.

Updated: 7-14-03 DRH