(Embargoed until 13 October 2000)
Joel Mason, M.D. of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University presented the evidence that high intakes of dietary folate thwarts the development of colorectal cancer, the number two cancer in both men and women in the USA. Several epidemiological studies performed over the past decade indicate that the regular intake of dietary folate (folic acid is the form used in fortification and supplements) is related to a decreased risk of colorectal cancer and/or its precursor, adenomatous polyps. Several animal studies suggest that there is a true cause and effect between folate status and the development of colorectal cancer. There are biologically plausible mechanisms by which folate may exert this benefit. Folate is critical in biochemical reactions whereby a one carbon compound called a methyl group is added (methylation) to large macromolecules such as DNA (the genetic material deoxyribonucleic acid), as well as in the synthesis of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. Cancer is believed to arise from as a result of DNA damage that is inadequately repaired. Thus, an inadequate availability of folate can lead to interference with DNA synthesis requiring the methylation process; and also the repair of breaks in the DNA called mutations. The argument for the significance of folate in thwarting the development of colorectal cancer is supported by the large protective effect seen in the development of colorectal cancers provided by a particular variant of a folate containing reductase enzyme present in approximately 10% of the population. Randomized clinical trials are being conducted to definitively determine if supplemental folic acid can protect against the development of precancerous polyps.
In spite of the now compulsory enrichment of cereal grain flours with folic acid in order to increase intakes in order to thwart the spina bifida and brain development consequences of neural tube defects, folate is one of the limiting (marginal) nutrients in the American dietary. Only twenty percent of Americans consume the minimal five servings per day of folate rich fruits and vegetables. For example, fast food meals do not provide a single serving of salad food ingredients. Folate rich citrus juices are consumed by only 25% of Americans on a given day. Consumers interested in a lower risk of neural tube defects, premature births, low birth weight infants, and now precancerous colon polyps and colorectal cancer can benefit by increasing their daily intake of folate containing foods.
Contact information: October 12-15, Alexis Park Resort, Las Vegas, NV Tel: 702-796-3340. Dr. Joel Mason, USDA at Tufts Univ, Boston, Tel: 617-556-3166; j[email protected]
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