Does folate lower your risk of breast cancer?

The entry on breast cancer at Wikipedia asserts, “Folate intake counteracts breast cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption” This is based on research at the Mayo Clinic in 2001.

New data dispute that conclusion.

Dr. Sarah Lewis from the University of Bristol in the UK reviewed the published literature on the subject and concluded that based on epidemiologic and genetic studies, there is “no consistent or reliable evidence to support a role of dietary folate in breast cancer prevention.”

The premise that somebody who abuses their body by drinking alcohol to excess would at the same time take folic acid tablets to lower their risk of breast cancer always seemed absurd anyway.

Photo: United by a reason for life

11/15/06 10:13 JR