Some new information on folate has put a potential fly in the proverbial ointment.
The research on prevention of some severe birth defects, through the simple, inexpensive addition of folate (aka folic acid) to the diet, was compelling. So compelling that, since 1998, the US has mandated that all baked goods be enriched with folate. There has been at least a 25% drop in these birth defects since the change, as reported in a 2004 edition of the MMWR.
Which is interesting, because they thought it would cause a 50% drop.
It’s also interesting that, in absolute numbers, the best estimate is about 1,000 cases of spina bifida, nationally, did NOT happen because of this supplementation.
Diminished folate levels have also been associated with increased cardiovascular disease, higher homocysteine levels, and higher risks of several cancers.
Yet, it is very rare, maybe even nonexistent, that isolated supplements carry, risk free, benefits that equal those of eating whole fruits and vegetables.
Now, a reanalysis, combining two studies in Norway, which does not mandate folate supplementation of foods, appears to show that taking folate supplements leads to a small increase in lung cancer risk, as well as all-cause mortality.
Since such increases have not been detected in the US since the folate supplementation was introduced, I am still waiting for more data.
In the mean time, I will continue to enjoy my green leafy vegetables. The word “folate” comes from the Latin word for leaf, and dark green leafies are loaded with this powerful B vitamin.
