article · Journal of International Medical Research
Folic acid plays a vital role in core biological functions, including cell maturation and proliferation. A synthesis of literature across major medical databases shows conflicting evidence concerning how folic acid influences cancer development and progression. On one hand, multiple studies indicate beneficial effects, showing that folic acid can decrease the risk of developing various cancers. On the other hand, separate research indicates that folic acid may carry carcinogenic risks, potentially promoting cancer development. Analysing the specific molecular mechanisms associated with each perspective provides greater clarity on these conflicting outcomes. Understanding this dual nature remains critical, and resolving the controversy will require extensive multicentre molecular and genetic research, alongside randomised human clinical trials to establish a definitive consensus.
Folic acid is widely consumed as a dietary supplement and fortified in foods, making its safety profile critically important for public health. Resolving whether it protects against or accelerates cancer development is essential for guiding dietary guidelines, oncology protocols, and medical interventions, ensuring that supplementation programmes promote health without inadvertently increasing cancer risk among vulnerable populations.
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Folic acid plays a crucial role in diverse biological processes, notably cell maturation and proliferation. Here, we performed a literature review using articles listed in electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. In this review article, we describe contradictory data regarding the role of folic acid in cancer development and progression. While some studies have confirmed its beneficial effects in diminishing the risk of various cancers, others have reported a potential carcinogenic effect. The current narrative review elucidates these conflicting data by highlighting the possible molecular mechanisms explaining each point of view. Further multicenter molecular and genetic studies, in addition to human randomized clinical trials, are necessary to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between folic acid and cancer.
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DOI: 10.1177/03000605231223064
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