A recent study published by Norwegian scientists reveals that the use of folic acid combined with vitamin B12 increases the risk of cancer.
Researchers found that cardiovascular patients treated with a combination of folic acid and vitamin B12 faced a higher risk of cancer and mortality compared to those not undergoing this therapy.
After more than six years of monitoring cardiovascular patients treated with folic acid and vitamin B12 at respective doses of 0.8 mg/day and 0.4 mg/day, the researchers observed an approximately 21% increase in the number of cancer cases and deaths among these individuals.
According to Dr. Marta Ebbing, the lead researcher, the supplementation of folic acid is unnecessary and not as safe as previously assessed. She advises that public health agencies and food safety organizations should take this into consideration.
The issue of supplementing this acid has also sparked controversy in the scientific community in recent years, as an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that folic acid supplementation may accelerate the onset of cancer in patients with cancer-related genes.
This debate becomes more complex as science also demonstrates that folic acid is essential for pregnant women, as it helps reduce the risk of birth defects.
Scientists believe that further research is needed to accurately understand the potential risks of folic acid supplementation and to adequately inform the public about its dangers./.