“Study Links High-Dose Folic Acid to Cancer Risk in Women with Epilepsy”
A recent study from Scandinavia aimed to explore the potential link between high-dose folic acid supplementation and cancer risk in women who have given birth, particularly focusing on those with epilepsy. Folic acid is often recommended for pregnant women because it helps prevent neural tube defects in developing babies. However, previous research suggested that high doses might be linked to an increased cancer risk in children born to mothers with epilepsy, raising new concerns for women taking these supplements.
The researchers examined data from over 1.4 million women who gave birth in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden between 1997 and 2017. They specifically looked at women who used high-dose folic acid (more than 1 mg daily) and tracked their health outcomes over time. From this extensive analysis, they found that women exposed to high-dose folic acid had a 20% higher overall risk of developing cancer compared to those who didn’t take these supplements. Interestingly, this risk was still present even after accounting for other factors, including the use of antiseizure medications.
In terms of specific cancers, the study showed a notable increase in the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among women taking high-dose folic acid, with the risk being twice as high compared to those who weren’t exposed. This particular finding is significant because non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, and understanding its risk factors is crucial for prevention.
For women with epilepsy, the study found that the increased risk of cancer, particularly for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, was consistent regardless of whether they were taking antiseizure medication. This suggests that the link between high-dose folic acid and cancer risk is particularly important for this group. Overall, the study sheds light on the potential risks associated with high-dose folic acid use during and after pregnancy, highlighting the need for further research and careful consideration by healthcare providers when recommending supplements.