New research led by Dr. Konstantinos Tsilidis from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London suggests that increasing folate intake through diet or supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 7%.
The study, the largest of its kind, analysed data from over 70,000 individuals to identify genetic variants affecting how dietary folate, folic acid supplements, and total folate influence colorectal cancer risk. Higher levels of dietary folate were associated with a 7% reduced risk of colorectal cancer for every 260 micrograms increase, equivalent to 65% of the daily recommended amount.
The findings support the idea that folate could be effective for colorectal cancer prevention, even at regular dietary intake levels achievable through a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. The study highlights the potential protective health benefits of vitamin B9 and its role in reducing the risk of bowel cancer.