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Folic acid reduces effects of alcohol use?

Page last modified on: November 11, 2011

Question from Annemarie: I've heard that folic acid can help further reduce the effects of alcohol use and possible increased risk, any comments?: Answer —Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D.: The data do show that women who have an adequate folic acid intake do not have the same increased risk associated with alcohol. It's not clearly understood why that is, but it does appear that there is a different mechanism of action for how the folic acid prevents the alcohol from initiating the cancer. There may be ways that the folic acid, alcohol, and estrogen are interacting that eliminates the initiation of breast cancer.

Editor's Update: While early research suggested that alcohol raised breast cancer risk by lowering folate levels in the body, we now know that even with adequate folate levels, alcohol appears to increase breast cancer risk. A 2006 study showed that while folate is important for many body processes, folate supplements do not lower breast cancer risk.

On Wednesday, November 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Eating and Drinking Through the Holidays. Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D. and moderator Jennifer Sabol, M.D. answered your questions about how to stay healthy during the most hectic, high-calorie time of year.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D. is a registered dietitian in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon who directs the newly developed Breast Care Center at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. Among her many interests, Dr. Sabol spearheads several research initiatives to advance the care for women with breast cancer and improve methods of breast cancer detection and treatment.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

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