Summary of Report to CMO on folic acid and colorectal cancer risk - October 2009
A summary of SACN's advice to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on folic acid and colorectal cancer risk has now been published.
As part of their considerations, SACN were fortunate to view confidential results of a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the effect of B vitamins (including folic acid) on risk of cardiovascular disease, which also reported effects on cancer. SACN's full report to the CMO will be published once the results of this meta-analysis are published by the researchers.
Overall, SACN upholds their previous recommendation for the introduction of mandatory fortification with folic acid with controls on voluntary fortification. However, SACN has amended their recommendation to clarify the advice on supplement use for particular population groups.