Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, which is an organ connecting the vagina and uterus. The potential precursor to cervical cancer is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN. A human papillomavirus, or HPV, infection may cause CIN and cervical cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Reducing the effects of HPV on the body may be one way to help prevent cervical cancer. Folic acid may play a role in inhibiting the effects of HPV, thus reducing the chances of cervical cancer to develop.
CIN1
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN, is an abnormal change to the cells in the cervix. These changes are not cancer, but may lead to cancer if not treated. A classification system exists based on the thickness of the changed cells, according to the World Health Organization. CIN1 is a mild change of cells in the cervix. CIN2 and CIN3 are more severe, signifying that more cells are abnormal. As noted by the World Health Organization, most CIN1 cases do not advance to CIN2 or CIN3; however, some do progress to more severe stages.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, is the synthetic form of folate, or vitamin B-9. It helps maintain new cells, which is important during times of rapid cell division and growth such as in pregnancy and infancy. It is also needed in the production of DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, which contains the genetic building blocks for cells. Folic acid helps prevent changes in DNA that may lead to cancer. Folate is found in leafy green vegetables, asparagus, citrus fruits and dried beans. Folic acid is available in supplements and added to fortified foods like cereals.
Folic Acid and CIN1
Research has not focused on the relationship between folic acid and CIN1, but some evidence associates high blood levels of folic acid with preventing the development of higher stages of CIN, CIN2 and CIN3. A study published in the February 2007 edition of “Nutrition,” indicates that participants with an HPV infection were more likely to have CIN2 or CIN3 if their blood folic acid levels were low. Another study, published in the July 2009 issue of “Cancer Prevention Research” evaluated the blood levels of folic acid in women with an HPV infection. The number of women with CIN2 was lower among those with higher levels of folic acid. The researchers in both studies noted that these findings only indicate an association and not a causation between folic acid and severe CIN stages.
Dietary Folic Acid Recommendations
Folic acid in supplement form is more bioavailable, which means it absorbs more readily, than dietary folate. The recommended dietary intake of folate for people aged 14 years and older is 400 micrograms per day, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. If you are taking folic acid supplements, MayoClinic.com recommends 150 to 400 micrograms each day for those over age 14. For pregnant women, the recommended intake of folic acid is 400 to 600 micrograms each day, while breastfeeding women should obtain 500 micrograms daily. Given that research has not shown a direct link between folic acid and cervical cancer development, experts do not advise taking more folic acid than is recommended in an attempt to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
References
- Cancer Prevention Research; Lower Risk of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Women with High Plasma Folate and Sufficient Vitamin B12 in the Post-Folic Acid Fortification Era; Chandrika Piyathilake, Ph.D., et. al
- Colposcopy and Treatment of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Beginner's Manual; World Health Organization; 2003
- National Cancer Institute; Cervical Cancer
- Nutrition; Lower Red Blood Cell Tolate Enhances the HPV-16-Associated Risk of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia; Chandrika Piyathilake Ph.D., et. al
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health; Folate
- MayoClinic.com: Folic Acid (Oral Route, Injection Route)
- WomensHealth.gov: Folic Acid Fact Sheet
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