Folic Acid and Breast Cancer

 The human body is a fascinating thing: a complex mechanism, with all the tiny parts working together to make life possible. This incredible machine requires constant maintenance and multiple forms of fuel to continue functioning at peak performance. And while it may be difficult to keep track of all the substances recommended for optimal health, there is one crucial supplement whose possible correlation to breast cancer is particularly interesting. 

January 6th through 12th is National Folic Acid Awareness Week. Now, unless you’re at that stage of life when conception and baby books occupy a significant portion of your brainspace, it is likely that folic acid is not something you are regularly thinking about. 

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a B vitamin used by our body to make new cells. Primarily, it is important for a woman’s body before and during pregnancy in order to help the development of the baby’s neural tube, as well as prevent birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. The CDC recommends all women of reproductive age to take at least 400mcg of folic acid daily because its effect is crucial at very early stages of pregnancy. 

Beyond the use of folic acid during pregnancy, however, this vitamin might also be useful in preventing heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. Multiple studies have been conducted in order to figure out the correlation between folic acid supplementation and specifically breast cancer development. Some studies warn about the possible dangers of folic acid contributing to the growth of precancerous cells. Others suggest that the safety and benefit of consuming folic acid depends on a person’s age. Others still claim that folic acid serves as a protective agent in individuals with a specific mutation.  

So, How Is Folic Acid Useful To Me? 

With so much different information out there, how do we make the right choices? The answer to this question is simple: awareness and proactivity. There are so many factors in staying healthy, and being responsible for your own well-being means being educated and aware of these factors. The use of folic acid, like all other substances, should be discussed with your doctor specifically in the context of your personal make-up and medical history. What is right for you might not be right for someone else. 

In addition, it is important to pay attention to the foods you consume, as there are lots of dietary sources of folic acid that you might not be aware of. Dark, leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits are all naturally high in folic acid; on the other hand, many flours, cereals, and pastas are enriched with the vitamin during production. 

And, of course, being proactive in addressing health concerns as they come up is a huge part of maintaining your body and breast health in good form. A balanced diet, consistent exercise, and regular monitoring are all crucial in preventing breast cancer and other diseases. (For more information about the importance of early detection, visit koninghealth.com)