FOLIC ACID is the synthetic form of natural folate. It is not natural to the body and is not active until the body converts it into a natural folate form. While the body is quite able to work this change, 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 and disease causing viruses. Another recent discovery for synthetic folic acid concerns the impact on gut microbiota bacteria.
Natural folate in food is limited in absorption to about 50%. There is an enzymatic conversion that needs to happen before assimilation. Turns out this limiting effect may be one of nature's ways to control the effects of folates on gut bacteria and cellular activity. Synthetic folic acid bypasses this converion and goes right into the body. But then it needs an inside the body converion into a natural folate form before it becomes active, and if not converted, there is the UMFA effect. Scientists have have found that in some organisms, studies imiting the action of folates increases lifespan. Work is underway to see if this is also a factor for humans.
Remember, there is a cancer chemotherapy drug that has antifolate actions. Folates are hijacked by cancer cells for faster growth. Thus, maybe there is a valid reason to limit folate actions somewhat, especially from excess synthetic folic acid.
FYI: Folates, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, and Sunshine. This is new research. It appears UV rays from sun influence two skin activities with major impacts. First, sunshine UV rays produce vitamin D by activating cholesterol under the skin and this impacts many calcium cellular processes and bone building. Second, UV rays reduce blood levels of folates and synthetic folic acid. This could have major impact on cellular cancer prevention of the skin (ref) as well as both a preventative action or a progressive cancer aspect for other various cancers. ref
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.
FYI Mandatory: Young women of childbearing ages should take at least 200 mcg of synthetic folic acid. If attempting to get pregenat, 400 mcg is recommended to help prevent neural tube defects. These amounts would be increased by food natural folates and the amounts in fortified cereal grains, such as bread and white rice.
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. article
Next is copied from above 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 also showed a higher cancer rate.
FYI: SUNBURN and Folic ACID
This is a rather unique aspect you will rarely find mentioned. UV rays form the sun can reduce blood levels of natural folates and synthetic unmetabolized folic acid under the skin. Shorter UVAs reduce both folates and folic acid while longer and deeper penetrating UVBs mainly reduce unmetabolized folic acid. ref This reduces folate levels in skin cells and leaves them open to skin cancers.