Folic acid supplements and colorectal cancer risk: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anticarcinogenic-agents #colorectal-neoplasms #dietary-supplements #folic-acid #humans

Folic acid supplements and colorectal cancer risk: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Qin et al., 2015 | Sci Rep | Meta Analysis

Citation

Qin Tingting, Du Mulong, ... Zhu Lingjun. Folic acid supplements and colorectal cancer risk: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sci Rep. 2015-Jul-01;5:12044. doi:10.1038/srep12044

Abstract

Numerous studies have investigated the effects of folic acid supplementation on colorectal cancer risk, but conflicting results were reported. We herein performed a meta-analysis based on relevant studies to reach a more definitive conclusion. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before October 2014. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently analyzed. The results suggested that folic acid treatment was not associated with colorectal cancer risk in the total population (relative risk [RR] = 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82-1.22, P = 0.974). Moreover, no statistical effect was identified in further subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, gender, body mass index (BMI) and potential confounding factors. No significant heterogeneity or publication bias was observed. In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrated that folic acid supplementation had no effect on colorectal cancer risk. However, this finding must be validated by further large studies.

Key Findings

However, this finding must be validated by further large studies.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Colorectal Neoplasms
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Folic Acid
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: folate-cancer

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09