What Type of Cancer Causes Folic Acid Deficiency?
October 7, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Folic acid deficiency is not typically caused by cancer itself, but certain types of cancer or cancer treatments can indirectly contribute to folic acid deficiency. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. In some cases, cancer can affect folate levels in the body:
- Increased Folate Demand: Rapidly growing cancer cells may require more folate for DNA replication and cell division. This increased demand for folate can deplete the body’s stores of this vitamin.
- Chemotherapy: Some chemotherapy drugs can interfere with folate metabolism. Methotrexate, for example, is a chemotherapy drug that works by inhibiting folate metabolism in both cancer cells and normal cells. As a result, it can lead to decreased folate levels in the body.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy can sometimes affect the absorption and utilization of folate in the body, potentially contributing to folate deficiency.
- Poor Dietary Intake: Cancer and its treatments can sometimes lead to poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or other digestive issues that may result in reduced dietary intake of folate-rich foods.
It’s important to note that while cancer and its treatments can affect folate levels, folic acid deficiency is not a direct cause of cancer. Folate deficiency can have adverse effects on overall health, as it is important for cell division and various metabolic processes. To address folate deficiency in cancer patients, healthcare providers may recommend folic acid supplementation or dietary changes to ensure an adequate intake of folate. However, any supplementation should be closely monitored and guided by a healthcare professional to avoid potential interactions with cancer treatments.