FOLATE AND CANCER - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Folate, a water-soluble vitamin, part of the vitamin B complex, plays an important role in methylation reactions and DNA/RNA synthesis. This review examines the experimental and epidemiological evidence far the association between folate status and risk of cancer. Data have accum ulated indicating that low folate status may promote carcinogenesis. L ow folate levels are associated with cytogenetic abnormalities in vivo and in vitro. Findings from animal studies are conflicting and sugges t that the effect of folate on neoplasia depends on factors such as th e animal and tumor model, the type, timing, dose, and length of applic ation of carcinogen, the stage of carcinogenesis, and the level and fo rm of folate administered. Epidemiological studies examined the associ ation between folate and cancer of the cervix, colorectum, lung, esoph agus, and brain and suggest that low folate status may play an importa nt role early in the neoplastic process. The potential for inhibition of precursor lesions in the cervix and colorectum, namely, cervical in traepithelial neoplasia and adenomatous polyps, respectively, is of pa rticular interest. Additional research designed to clarify the role of folate in carcinogenesis is warranted.