FOLIC ACID is the synthetic form of nature's folate.It is not natural to the body and is not active until the body converts it into the natural folate form. This conversion is limited to just a certain amount per meal and per day. About 200 mcg per meal and 600 mcg per day. Above these amounts, the synthetic folic acid remains in the bloodstream in it's unmetabolized, UMFA, synthetic form. One of the known facts about UMFA is that it suppresses an immune factor called Natural Killer, NK, Cells. These cells are necessary to protect the body against cancer development an disease causing viruses.
To add support to the article on Folic Acid, copied next are results from a 5 year review study of research published in 2018. These results highlight the significance of proper vitamin usage, dosages, forms, and synergistic combinations for Folic Acid on cancer risk.
Purpose of review: Research has evaluated the potential impact of folate on cancer risk with conflicting findings. Studies have demonstrated increased risk, no effect, and decreased risk. This review summarizes findings of mixed results between folate intake, serum levels, gene polymorphisms, and cancer risk based on meta-analyses from the past five years.
Recent finding:1. Low or deficient folate status is associated with increased risk of many cancers.
2.Folic acid supplementation and higher serum levels are associated with increased risk of prostate cancer.
Gene polymorphisms may impact risk in certain ethnic groups. Folate has been studied extensively due to its role in methylation and nucleotide synthesis. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify optimal levels for nutrient remediation and risk reduction in those at risk, as well as elucidate the association between high intake, high serum levels, and prostate cancer risk. End
THIS IS ANOTHER VERY VITAL PIECE OF THE SUPPLEMENT PUZZLE.
This next article adds some clarity as to methods for folic acid increasing cancer growth from Alabama University research. article <link lost
This is copied from that article about 'How Strong is the Proof" of cancer risk. "In the second study, the difference was 4.0% cancer deaths in the folic acid group compared to 2.9% in the group that did not get folic acid. So you see, the increased risk of cancer with folic acid supplements was really small." Even though 2.9% and 4% are small numbers, the difference between them means that taking folic acid increased deaths by 27.5% over the non taking folic acid group number. Most of these studies used 800 mcg while 400 mcg is recommended amount. 1000 mcg is considered the upper safe amount.
Here is a another study on the folic acid controversy. This study looked at folic acid and vitamin B12 over 3 years on bone fracture risk. The results showed a higher cancer rate.