Folic acid, a type of vitamin B, can be found in fresh leafy green vegetables, fruit, liver and other organs, meats, and dried yeast. Studies show that a decrease in folic acid and subsequent DNA hypomethylation may be involved in gastric carcinogenesis.

Researchers did a chemical-induced-cancer test on 16 beagles randomly divided into two groups: a folic acid-treated group and a control group. A daily 20 milligrams of folic acid was given to one group for 15 months.

By the end of the experiment, all beagles in the control group developed gastric cancer, compared with only three in the folic acid-treated group. Serum and gastric mucosal tissue tests showed that folic acid concentrations were markedly elevated in these beagles.

The results indicate that high doses of folic acid play a role in the prevention of gastric cancers.

Doctor Xiao Shudong, leader of the research group, said the results may be similar in human beings, so people should take folic acid daily to reduce the risk of gastric tumors. They may consume fresh green vegetables, oranges, carrots, watermelon, beans and possibly folic acid pills.

( Shanghai Star February 1, 2002)