Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's diseases are forms of cancer. These cancers affect the lymphatic system. Like various other types of cancers, certain alternative therapies may show some potential in treating or preventing lymphoma. Taking folic acid supplements is not a standard or customary method of treating lymphoma. Consult your doctor before trying any alternative remedy as a cancer treatment or preventative.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is one of the B vitamins. It also goes by the name of B9 or folate. Along with the other B vitamins, folic acid plays an essential role in helping your body covert carbohydrates into fuel, metabolizing fats and proteins, promoting the health of your skin and hair, as well as supporting the proper function of your nervous system, eyes and liver. This vitamin may help protect against certain forms of cancer, especially stomach, cervical, pancreatic and breast, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This may be due to folic acid's ability to keep cell DNA healthy and prevent the cell mutations common in cancer.
Sources
Natural food sources of folic acid include lima beans, soybeans, salmon, orange juice, milk and dark leafy greens. Grain and cereal products often contain fortified amounts of this vitamin. The recommended amount of folic acid for adults is 400 mcg per day, although pregnant and breastfeeding women require slightly greater amounts.
Lymphoma
Your lymph system is responsible for carrying white blood cells throughout your body. This system includes your spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes and bone marrow. Non-Hodgkin's disease is the most common type of lymphoma. Symptoms of lymphoma include unexplained fever, fatigue, itchy skin, unintentional weight loss, night sweats and painless swelling in your lymph nodes. According to Harvard Medical School, folic acid's ability to help reduce homocysteine levels in your body may be a factor in minimizing the risk of certain cancers, although more research is necessary.
Precautions
Lymphoma is a serious disease that requires medical treatment. Folic acid supplementation is not a proven remedy in the treatment of lymphoma. Discuss the feasibility and safety of alternative treatments with your doctor. Although taking the recommended amount of folic acid is safe for most people, too much of this vitamin may mask the presence of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Folic acid can interfere with the way your body absorbs the antibiotic tetracycline. It may also interact with birth control medications and anticonvulsant drugs.
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