Folic acid is one of the most important B vitamins in human health. Previous research has established a link between folic acid deficiency and colon cancer, though precise mechanisms about how a lack of folate could cause colon cancer were not clearly understood. In new research scientists grew human colon cells in folate-depleted and folate-enriched tissue culture. A lack of folate was clearly linked to DNA damage¹, as well as numerous other gene-related changes favorable to cancer.

Folic acid fortification of the food supply has been of public health benefit but also uses a synthetic form of folic acid that may reach a saturation point of usefulness. I recommend using folic acid as a dietary supplement in the natural coenzyme form, commonly referred to as calcium folinate.