A Cornell-led study found no evidence that high doses of folic acid raised toxic formaldehyde levels or caused related DNA damage in mice or human cancer patients.
The findings, published Aug. 12 in EMBO Molecular Medicine, address concerns raised by laboratory studies showing that a bioactive form of folate can release formaldehyde in cell cultures.
Researchers confirmed that the reaction occurred in cell culture but did not find the same effect in living subjects. The work was conducted in partnership with Cayuga Cancer Center.
Study leaders said the results provide reassurance for patients who need high-dose folic acid supplementation, including some people receiving cancer treatment or care for blood disorders.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.