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Can folate supplements be dangerous? - part 2

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 September 2013

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In a nutshell

Whilst adequate folate is protective against cancer, there are theoretical grounds and some clinical evidence to suggest that, in people with existing pre-cancerous or cancer cells, folate supplements could stimulate their growth.

However, more studies have failed to show this than have reported it, and so the hypothesis remains neither confirmed nor refuted. Until this matter is resolved, some caution is appropriate, particularly in those who may already have early stage tumour.

Type
Brief Report
Information
Arbor Clinical Nutrition Updates , Volume 327 , December 2010 , pp. 1 - 5
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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References

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