Folate's Role in Rectal Cancer Prevention

Research published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control found that consuming at least 475 micrograms (mcg) of folate each day reduced rectal cancer risk.

What is Folate?

Folate is a vitamin that helps produce and maintain new cells. To put the amount of folate consumed in this study into perspective, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 400 mcg.

Good Sources of Folate

Most multivitamins offer 400 mcg of folic acid, the synthetic form of folate. If you prefer to get your nutrients from food, some good sources include whole wheat products (like bread and pasta), eggs, beans, oranges, strawberries, and asparagus.

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_{Source: Murtaugh, A. and Curtin, K. "Dietary Intake of Folate and Co-Factors in Folate Metabolism, MTHFR Polymorphisms, and Reduced Rectal Cancer." Cancer Causes and Control (23 Jan. 2007): Published online ahead of print. PubMed. 1 Feb. 2007 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=retrieve&db=pubmed&list_uids=17245555&dopt=Abstract].}